Tooth ankylosis is a dental anomaly in which a baby tooth fuses to its nearby teeth instead of loosening. This condition is most common in babies but can also appear in adults. Dental ankylosis needs to be treated as soon as possible as it could lead to risks like bite issues, improper tooth alignment, and difficulties with future dental treatments.

 

This article will discuss the causes of tooth ankylosis, potential complications, and various treatment options, including surgical subluxation and braces for ankylosed teeth.

 

Tooth Ankylosis Causes

 

When the periodontal ligament is destroyed, it directly fuses the tooth root and the alveolar bone. This is a situation where tooth ankylosis occurs. Some causes that lead to the dental ankylosis are,

 

  • Genetic factors: Both primary and permanent detention in close relatives could destroy periodontal ligament.
  • Trauma or injury: Any of the accidents that damage teeth can trigger ankylosis by disrupting the periodontal ligament.
  • Infection or inflammation: Infections in the surrounding tissues may lead to abnormal bone growth around the tooth.
  • Disturbed eruption process: The normal eruption of permanent teeth gets disturbed when a baby tooth fails to loosen properly, as it can become ankylosed.
  • Orthodontic stress: In rare cases, excessive force during orthodontic treatments may contribute to ankylosis. 

 

Tooth Ankylosis Complications

 

Having a good-aligned tooth and showcasing a smile can boost our confidence. However, dental anomalies like tooth ankylosis could cause some complications if left untreated. That includes,

 

  • Misalignment of teeth: An ankylosed tooth does not move along with the normal growth of the jaw, leading to bite irregularities.
  • Impacted permanent teeth: In children, the presence of an ankylosed deciduous tooth can prevent the proper eruption of permanent teeth.
  • Difficulty in orthodontic treatment: Braces may not work effectively on ankylosed teeth since they do not respond to regular movement forces.
  • Bone resorption issues: Ankylosed teeth may cause bone loss around the affected area, which complicates future dental procedures.
  • Facial asymmetry: If a tooth in the visible area is affected by tooth ankylosis, it can contribute to asymmetrical facial development, particularly in children.

 

Ankylosed Tooth Treatment

 

Treating ankylosed tooth is very important as it could cause serious complications.  Here are some of the standard treatment approaches,

 

  • Surgical Subluxation
  • Cap in Ankylosed Deciduous Tooth
  • Ankylosed Tooth Braces

 

How to Do Surgical Subluxation of Ankylosed Tooth

 

Surgical subluxation is a procedure used to break the fusion between the tooth and bone. It is only recommended when conventional methods fail to correct the issue. The following steps do this surgical process by providing you with local anaesthesia to ensure a painless experience,

 

  • Loosening the ankylosed tooth under controlled surgical conditions.
  • Stimulating the periodontal ligament regeneration to facilitate normal movement.
  • Following up with orthodontic treatment or prosthetic solutions as needed.

 

The success of surgical subluxation largely depends on early detection and proper post-surgical care.

 

Can I Deliver a Cap in Ankylosed Deciduous Tooth?

 

Yes, in very rare cases, dentists recommend placing a cap (dental crown) on the ankylosed baby tooth. This process is requested by the dentist only temporarily to improve the function and appearance. So, if you need a permanent solution, you need to undergo further treatments.

 

It is not recommended to place a cap without a dentist’s consultation because it may sometimes interfere with the eruption of permanent teeth.

 

Ankylosed Tooth Braces: Can Orthodontic Treatment Help?

 

Braces can help in some cases where mobility can be achieved, but they may not be effective for severely ankylosed teeth. In such cases, the dentist decides what treatment to follow.

 

You can consider braces on ankylosed teeth that include,

 

  • In the case of minor ankylosis, braces may work, in severe cases, they may not.
  • In some cases, orthodontics combined with surgical subluxation can yield better results.
  • Alternative orthodontic approaches like where a tooth extraction and replacement may be considered in places where braces are ineffective, 
  • The advanced orthodontic technique called distraction osteogenesis can sometimes be applied to move an ankylosed tooth gradually.

 

Preventing Tooth Ankylosis

 

Tooth ankylosis, in most cases, is not preventable, but some steps can be taken to reduce the risks. They are,

 

  • Routine dental checkups
  • Protecting teeth from trauma
  • Proper dental hygiene.
  • Early intervention in case you notice any abnormalities

 

Takeaway

 

Tooth ankylosis is a complex dental condition that requires careful diagnosis and timely intervention. Early detection is key to preventing severe dental issues like bites, bone resorption, chewing, and facial asymmetry. The severity of tooth ankylosis may depend on the treatment chosen. 

 

Consult Surya Dental Care dentists to choose the correct treatment to eliminate tooth ankylosis. We can help you get your proper tooth function and alignment.