What is gemination?

• A. The complete formation of an extra tooth
• B. The attempt of one tooth bud to form two separate teeth
• C. The fusion of two separate tooth buds
• D. A genetic condition affecting tooth color

Answer: (B)

Gemination refers to the process where a single tooth bud attempts to divide and form two separate teeth, resulting in one tooth that appears as an incomplete or partially formed duplicate. This phenomenon typically leads to the formation of a tooth with a larger crown and may display a bifid or split appearance. It is a developmental anomaly that can occur in any primary or permanent tooth, often affecting the anterior region.

In gemination, the two crowns might share a single root and pulp canal, which differentiates it from fusion where two distinct tooth buds merge to create one tooth. Understanding gemination is important in pediatric dentistry as it can affect the alignment and development of the child’s dentition, requiring careful observation and potential intervention to ensure proper oral health and aesthetics.