Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

What compound effect occurs when the roots of two teeth fuse?

1. Germination

2. Concrescence

3. Fusion

4. Transition

The correct answer is: Fusion

The correct answer is related to the phenomenon known as fusion, which occurs when the roots of two adjacent teeth develop together, resulting in a single, larger root structure. This situation typically arises during tooth development when there is an abnormality in the dental lamina, leading to the union of the two teeth in question. Clinically, this can lead to complications such as the presence of a single pulp canal and altered tooth morphology, which may affect dental treatment options. Germination, on the other hand, occurs when a single tooth bud attempts to divide, leading to two crowns on a single root. Concrescence refers to the fusion of teeth that have fully developed roots, usually occurring due to the close proximity of the teeth and the cementum of their roots bonding together without involving the underlying dentin or pulp. Transition is not a recognized dental term related to these processes. Understanding these distinctions is essential for dental professionals as they diagnose and plan for treatment concerning anomalies in tooth development.