What does concrescence refer to in dental terms?

Concrescence in dental terms specifically refers to the connection of roots of adjacent teeth. This phenomenon occurs when the roots of two or more teeth become joined together, typically through the cementum, which is the mineralized substance covering the roots of teeth. This connection can happen due to various reasons such as mechanical pressure or periodontal disease, but it is important to distinguish this from other forms of fusion in dentistry.

The other options address different types of tooth structure fusions, such as fusion of enamel surfaces or dentin and enamel, which are not accurate in the context of concrescence specifically. Understanding concrescence effectively aids in recognizing anatomical variations and pathologies that can affect dental treatment planning.