Ankylosis of the teeth is when a tooth fuses to the jawbone preventing it from erupting at the normal rate. Although the exact cause is unknown it can fairly commonly be seen in the lower primary molars. This can cause a series of problems when the adult teeth begin to merge. Because it has not emerged correctly the tooth will appear submerged which also cause the incorrect positioning of the other teeth.
Ankylosis can occur at any stage of the eruption of any permanent or temporary tooth. Some studies how that one to three per cent of children may have ankylosis with one or more primary teeth, whereas other studies put that number at a much higher 38 per cent. This variation may be down the different methods dentists have of diagnosing ankylosis.
Signs of ankylosis include a submerged tooth on one side mirrored by an overgrown tooth on the other corresponding side of the tooth arc. Diagnosis is often visual but it is also possible to tell an ankylosed tooth by tapping it as it resonates differently to a normal tooth. Dentists will also take digital or regular x-rays to confirm the presence of an ankylosed tooth. Ankylosis can be corrected either by removing the tooth or surgery to reposition it. If it is left it may cause painful and irritating alterations to bite.
Tags: Ankylosis
