What is gemination in dental terms?

Gemination in dental terms refers to the condition in which a single tooth bud splits during development, resulting in the formation of two crowns that are attached to a single root. This process leads to a tooth that appears as two distinct crowns sharing a common root and canal system within the dental arch. It is most commonly observed in the anterior teeth, particularly the incisors, and can often be confused with fusion, although they are distinct conditions.

The description of gemination aligns perfectly with the concept of division of a single tooth, marking it as the correct answer. In contrast, other options refer to different dental phenomena: the fusion of two or more crowns refers to a separate condition where two adjacent teeth develop into a single tooth with combined roots and crowns; fusion of tooth roots specifically focuses on the interconnection of roots without necessarily affecting the crowns; and absence of tooth development pertains to a total lack of tooth formation, which is unrelated to gemination. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate dental diagnosis and treatment planning.