Ankylosed Tooth

What is an Ankylosed Tooth?

An ankylosed tooth is an uncommon condition that occurs when a tooth’s roots fuse to the underlying bone, resulting in improper tooth eruption. An ankylosed tooth is most common in children (primary teeth), but can also happen to permanent teeth as well.

Treatment for an ankylosed tooth often involves extraction to prevent improper jaw growth, adverse tooth eruption, and loss of space in between teeth. Depending on the individual case, a dentist or orthodontist may recommend a space maintainer for a child’s ankylosed tooth to help keep the gap from closing and preventing the underlying permanent tooth from growing in properly.