Management of ‘double teeth’ in children and adolescents

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 419–426 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.