Fusion and agenesis: Considerations in primary, mixed, and permanent dentition

Abstract

Tooth anomalies tend to become a challenge in the contemporary world with their diversified and gradual raise in prevalence due to genetic aberrations, trauma, and environmental influences. Fusion, one among the varied tooth anomalies is seen both in primary and permanent dentition either in maxillary or mandibular arches, makes its significance unique by altered pulp canal anatomy internally. Tooth size arch length discrepancies with increased caries risk externally and altered response to physiological resorption if permanent tooth is dichotomized from the same dental lamina internally, are more concerning areas. The present case report discloses a unilateral fusion of primary lateral incisor with canine and agenesis of permanent lateral incisor alleviating the eruption dogmata with a provision of physiological space maintainer in retaining the missing permanent lateral incisor till the late mixed dentition period.