Triple Tooth in Primary Dentition: A Rare Case Report

TL;DR

A rare case of a three-year-old boy with a triple tooth in his primary dentition is reported, highlighting the challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

This case report presents a rare occurrence of a triple tooth in primary dentition and its successful management.

Findings

Triple tooth involved the central and lateral left primary incisors with a supernumerary tooth.

Radiographs showed fused teeth with separate roots, pulp chambers, and root canals.

Extraction and surgical exposure led to successful permanent dentition without complications.

Abstract

The occurrence of triplication in the deciduous teeth is rare. However, it can cause several problems in primary dentition, alteration of development, and eruption of permanent successors. Case Presentation: A three-year-old boy presented with an exuberant acute periapical abscess in the left front teeth region of the upper jaw. Examination revealed a presence of a triple tooth involving the central and lateral left primary incisors and a supernumerary tooth. Radiographs showed that the fused teeth had separate roots, pulp chambers and root canals. The implemented treatment was extraction under local anesthesia. After 2 years of observation, surgical exposure of the crowns of the permanent maxillary central incisor was performed. After seven years, the permanent dentition was completed without any sequelae. Discussion: Triple tooth, as observed in this case report, results from the union of three tooth germs, potentially influenced by physical, hereditary, or environmental factors, leading to esthetic and functional issues and increased susceptibility to caries. Treatment is challenging, requiring preventive care, complex endodontic procedures, and, in some cases, extraction with space maintenance to avoid future orthodontic complications. Conclusion: Early diagnosis, an adequate treatment plan and clinical monitoring should be performed, aiming at preventing the possible disturbances.

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