Triple tooth in primary dentition: A proposed classification

Abstract

Triple teeth may result from fusion, gemination or concrescence causing transient esthetic and functional problems in primary dentition and retardation or alteration of development and eruption of permanent successors. We report an unusual case of a boy aged five with fusion among maxillary left primary central incisor, lateral incisor and a supernumerary tooth concomitant with agenesis of permanent lateral incisor. A review of literature on triple tooth was done along with a proposed classification of the triple teeth.

‘Triplication’ defect in deciduous teeth: an unusual odontogenic anomaly

“…Triple tooth is more prevalent among boys,24 but in the present case it was seen in a girl. Triple tooth is more common in the maxillary arch than mandibular by site,25 but in the present case it was in the mandibular arch.…”

Triple and Double Teeth in the Same Quadrant: Report of a Rare Case with Literature Review

“…Preponderance is seen for left side of the arch 15 out of 31 cases were seen on left side. For most of the case no treatment was done [5]. The case presented above is unique of its kind because the patient showed presence of both double as well as triple fusion in the same arch involving primary teeth.…”

“…Double teeth often will demonstrate a pronounced labial or lingual groove that may be prone to develop caries. In such cases, placement of fissure sealant or composite restoration and fluoride application is appropriate if tooth is to be retained [5]. If there is pulpal involvement, endodontic treatment should be carried out in the same way as for the multirooted tooth [7].…”

“…The first such case was reported by Bennett back in year of 1887 followed by Sprawson in year 1931. The study done by Ravn was the only study which gave the prevalence of triple tooth in primary teeth which is 0.02% [5].…”

“…However they may create problems like an unpleasant aesthetic tooth shape due to the irregular morphology [6], crowding, abnormal spacing (because of their abnormal morphology and excessive mesiodistal width) and delayed or ectopic eruption of underlying permanent teeth [5] and periodontal conditions [3]. If the tooth is free from caries, for instance, it may require no special treatment.…”