Family Dentist Bay Shore offers Dental Care for Childern

Ankylosis is the fusion of the bones with the tooth. The tooth then appears to be submerged and not aligned with the others. Children who still have their primary teeth often suffer from this problem. The baby tooth tends to lose its ligaments through partial root absorption and it adheres to the bone, causing it to block the growth of the permanent teeth. This can lead to a malposition tooth-- having the ankylosed tooth submerged and the opposing one growing in an abnormal range due to lack of support from the lower teeth. In cases of ankylosis in children, it most often occurs with the mandibular (lower) second deciduous molar.

There is no absolute reason why tooth ankylosis happens in a child’s early years; however, these are the potential reasons:

•    Heredity

•    Trauma

•    Race (Caucasian and Hispanics tend to have greater incidents.)

Tooth extraction is one absolute treatment if the case only deals with the primary blocking of the permanent teeth. Removal of the baby tooth would allow the permanent one to develop straight and strong, and in a normal range, that would result in a better chance of having a well-aligned smile. This will prevent the opposing tooth to grow in an abnormal scope. However, this may vary to the situation of the patient.

Are There Other Options?

In the case wherein a simple tooth extraction is not applicable, these options may be suitable:

•    Extraction can still be done but with placement of a space maintainer.

•    If diagnosed a little late, attachment of composite to the occlusal plane to maintain tooth contacts.

•    Decoronation is done to keep a bone level and for future implants.

•    If multiple teeth are affected, bone osteotomy may be necessary.

•    Another option is postoperative process wherein orthodontic steps may be done to ensure aligned teeth and right bite.

It is recommended to have younger children’s teeth checked and monitored every now and then. If your child’s tooth appears to be at a much lower level than their teeth, it is best to visit a family dentist in Bay Shore right away to have a diagnosis. Diagnosis for this condition is supported by many instruments like X-Ray of the region to identify if the patient is positive for ankylosis.