1. Can an ankylosed tooth be saved?

In some cases, monitoring is sufficient, but if the tooth affects function or aesthetics, extraction or decoronation may be recommended.

2. How common is dental ankylosis?

It is relatively rare, occurring more often in baby teeth than in permanent teeth.

No, ankylosed teeth do not move with orthodontic treatment. Alternative solutions like extraction and prosthetics may be needed.

Most cases are painless, but discomfort may occur if the condition affects the bite or adjacent teeth.

Yes, after extraction, a dental implant, bridge, or other prosthetic solutions can replace the missing tooth.

There is evidence that genetics may play a role, but it is not always hereditary.

Regular dental check-ups, X-rays, and monitoring for infra-occlusion can help detect it early.

Dental ankylosis is a condition where a tooth becomes abnormally fused to the surrounding bone, preventing its normal eruption and movement.

This fusion eliminates the periodontal ligament space, leading to various dental complications.

Table of content

Several factors can contribute to the development of dental ankylosis:

Genetic Predisposition 🧬: A hereditary tendency can increase the risk.
Dental Trauma 🤕: Injuries to the teeth, especially in children, can disrupt normal tooth development.
Infections or Inflammation 🦠: These can damage the periodontal ligament, leading to fusion.
Developmental Abnormalities 🧒: Issues during tooth development can result in ankylosis.

Identifying dental ankylosis early is crucial. Common signs include:

Infraocclusion ⬇️: The affected tooth appears shorter than adjacent teeth.
Lack of Tooth Mobility 🚫: The tooth doesn’t move slightly when touched.
Delayed or Failed Eruption 🕒: Permanent teeth don’t emerge as expected.
Tipping of Adjacent Teeth ↪️: Neighboring teeth may tilt towards the ankylosed tooth.
Asymmetry in the Smile 😬: Uneven appearance due to the affected tooth.

Treatment varies based on the severity and patient age:

Observation 👀: In mild cases without complications, monitoring may suffice.
Decoronation 🦷: Removing the crown of the ankylosed tooth to preserve bone for future implants.
Orthodontic Intervention 🦷📐: Braces or other devices to manage space and alignment.
Surgical Extraction 🛠️: Removing the fused tooth, especially if it hinders the eruption of permanent teeth.
Prosthetic Replacement 🦷🔧: Using implants or bridges to replace the missing tooth.

While not all cases are preventable, certain measures can help:

Regular Dental Check-ups 🗓️: Early detection through routine examinations.
Protective Gear 🥊: Using mouthguards during sports to prevent trauma.
Prompt Treatment of Dental Injuries ⏱️: Addressing tooth injuries immediately to reduce complications.

Is dental ankylosis common?
It’s relatively rare, and more frequently observed in primary (baby) teeth than permanent ones.

Can an ankylosed tooth be saved?
Depending on the case, treatments like decoronation can preserve the bone for future dental work.

Does dental ankylosis cause pain?
Often, it’s painless but can lead to functional and aesthetic issues.

At what age is dental ankylosis usually diagnosed?
It’s commonly identified in children when a baby tooth doesn’t fall out as expected.

Dental ankylosis is a condition where a tooth becomes fused to the surrounding bone, hindering its normal eruption and movement.

Early detection and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent complications and maintain oral health.

Regular dental visits and prompt attention to dental injuries can aid in managing and preventing this condition.

References

Doufexi, A.-E., Masali, E., Christoforidou, E., & Kefalogiannis, I. (2025). Tooth Ankylosis: Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment Review and Case Series. European Journal of Dental and Oral Health, 6(1), 12–15. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejdent.2025.6.1.345
Eşian, D., Bica, C. I., Stoica, O. E., Dako, T., Vlasa, A., Bud, E. S., Salcudean, D., & Beresescu, L. (2022). Prevalence and Manifestations of Dental Ankylosis in Primary Molars Using Panoramic X-rays: A Cross-Sectional Study. Children, 9(8), 1188. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081188