What does concrescence refer to in dentistry?

• A. Joining of two teeth by dentin
• B. Joining of two teeth by enamel
• C. Joining of two teeth by cementum
• D. Joining of two teeth by pulp

Answer: (C)

Concrescence refers specifically to the condition where two adjacent teeth are fused together by their cementum, the outer layer of the root structure. This phenomenon can occur when the teeth become closely associated during development, leading to a situation where their root surfaces are joined, but they maintain separate crowns. This is particularly important in pediatric dentistry, as it can affect tooth extraction decisions, orthodontic treatment, and overall dental health.

Cementum serves to anchor the teeth securely to the periodontal ligament and the surrounding bone. Understanding concrescence is vital for practitioners in diagnosing and planning treatment since it can impact tooth mobility, treatment for periodontal disease, and the integrity of surrounding teeth. While dentin, enamel, and pulp are crucial components of teeth, they do not form the basis of concrescence. Dentin and enamel relate primarily to the crown portion of teeth, while pulp is the soft tissue within the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.