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A double tooth is something that some young people experience when their teeth are developing. But what does it mean to be double toothed? What causes it? And is it easy to treat and put right?
Here, we explain the basics of being double-toothed and what a dentist will do if they identify it as a problem.
What does it mean to be double-toothed?
To be double-toothed (sometimes simply referred to as double teeth) means that two teeth are connected through the dentin. The dentin is a thin layer beneath the enamel of the tooth.
Some people with a double tooth may also see the connection in the tooth's pulp, which is the inner section of the tooth.
What causes double tooth?
This condition is usually diagnosed by a dentist, and it is most commonly an issue for infants. It is caused by one of two factors - gemination or fusion, as we explain below.
Factor 1. Double tooth gemination
Double tooth gemination is when one tooth splits into two parts. However, both parts remain connected, resulting in twin teeth (hence its colloquial name of teeth twinning).
When this occurs in children, two teeth emerge from the same bud, and it most commonly occurs on the upper section of teeth.
Factor 2. Double tooth fusion
The other way that double tooth manifests itself is via the process of fusion. This process occurs at the developmental stage of teeth and causes two teeth to fuse together.
While gemination usually happens on the upper section of teeth, fusion typically occurs on the bottom section. It's necessary for a dentist or orthodontist to diagnose a double tooth and identify its root cause - gemination or fusion.
What's the issue with being double-toothed?
Having a double rooted tooth or being double toothed can be problematic for a young person. As this issue occurs during the key developmental stage of teeth, it needs to be diagnosed and monitored by a dentist or orthodontist.
The presence of double teeth can prevent the emergence of normal adult teeth, so in some instances, the double tooth may need to be removed.
In some very rare instances, regular teeth might form underneath the double tooth, which can cause a significant issue. If a dentist suspects this, they will perform an x-ray and advise on the best procedure and course of treatment.
The most important thing about double teeth is that you need to be aware of it. If you suspect you have an issue or that your child has a double tooth, you should contact a pediatric dentist for more information and to treat the condition correctly.
Final thoughts
Being double toothed is something that some infants experience and it's not necessarily something to be overly concerned about. If a dentist diagnoses it, they will assess whether it's caused by fusion or gemination and act accordingly. At worst, the dentist will remove the double tooth to ensure that the regular teeth can grow undisturbed.
To avoid unnecessary trips to the dentist, make sure you're brushing your teeth with the best electric toothbrush, and maintain a high level of oral hygiene.
