Management of 'double teeth' in children and adolescents

Abstract

Background: Abnormally, large teeth are often referred to as 'double teeth'. These can pose numerous challenges for the clinician. There is no published protocol on the management of double teeth.

Aim: To review the published literature and also patients managed at the Eastman Dental Hospital (EDH) and to develop a clinical protocol for the management of double teeth in children and adolescents.

Design: Literature was searched (Medline and Embase) and data collated. Patient notes of cases managed at the EDH were reviewed.

Results: Eighty-one teeth from 53 papers and 22 patients were included in the review. Success criteria were only reported in 32 papers and were variable. Twenty-three papers had no follow-up period. The main factor in determining the management of a double tooth was root and root canal system morphology. The treatment of choice in teeth with separate roots was hemisection and in those with a single root was crown modification or extraction.

Conclusion: It was not possible to determine the best management strategies because of the variable reporting in the literature. The authors have proposed a protocol for management and a data collection sheet for essential information needed when reporting on double teeth cases.