Concrescence of erupted second molar and impacted third molar: A report of two cases and literature review

Abstract

Concrescence, a rare dental developmental anomaly, is characterized by adherence of cementum of two adjacent teeth apical to the cementoenamel junction. The incidence of this anomaly in the maxilla is greater than that in mandible. Numerous factors such as insufficient space, localized trauma, chronic periapical/ periodontal inflammation and excessive occlusal forces play an imminent role. However, the exact etiology is not known. Diagnostic 2D imaging modalities offer certain disadvantages such as overlapping of the surrounding structures as well as distortion of the image which interferes with the diagnosis of the condition. This may be overcome by considering Cone beam computed tomography modality. The present article reports two cases of concrescence in the posterior maxilla and highlights the importance of CBCT as a diagnostic imaging tool in the evaluation and management of the same.