Sectioning of a double tooth aided by cone-beam computed tomography

Background: Double teeth present challenges for their clinical management. Recent advances in imaging, particularly cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), have aided clinicians in accurate diagnosis and management. Data from CBCT imaging can be used for three-dimensional reconstruction to further aid pre-surgical planning. Case report: A 14-year-old Caucasian male presented with an aesthetically unacceptable double tooth in the 22 region. Clinical and radiographic examination and assessment included CBCT imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction. Treatment: Based on this information, together with a comprehensive assessment of the patient's motivation, a treatment plan consisting of extra-alveolar sectioning, re-implantation, endodontic therapy and composite resin restoration was carried out. Follow-up: The patient failed to return for follow-up at 6 months post-treatment. However, he did return at 12 months, where clinical and radiographic examination was undertaken. At this point the tooth was clinically sound and bony infill was seen radiographically. Conclusion: The information gained from the pre-surgical imaging with CBCT was useful in planning treatment in this case. However, this had to be combined with a careful assessment of the patient's motivation to ensure that the course of treatment embarked upon was likely to be successful whilst addressing the patient's concerns.