Tooth ankylosis

Tooth Ankylosis is a condition in which a tooth becomes fused to the bone, preventing it from erupting. This can occur in both primary (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth. The condition can lead to a variety of dental problems, including malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), periodontal disease, and tooth loss.

Causes

Tooth ankylosis can be caused by a variety of factors. These include genetic predisposition, trauma to the tooth or jaw, inflammation, and certain systemic diseases. In some cases, the cause of tooth ankylosis is unknown.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of tooth ankylosis is a tooth that fails to erupt, or emerges only partially. The tooth may also appear to be shorter than the surrounding teeth. In some cases, the condition may cause no symptoms and may only be detected during a dental examination.

Diagnosis

Tooth ankylosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies. The dentist may notice that the tooth is not erupting as expected, or that it appears to be shorter than the surrounding teeth. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for tooth ankylosis depends on the severity of the condition and the age of the patient. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary. If the condition is causing problems, such as malocclusion or periodontal disease, treatment options may include orthodontic treatment, extraction of the affected tooth, or surgical intervention.

See also

• Dental trauma
• Malocclusion
• Periodontal disease

Tooth ankylosis Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.