Ankylosis

Ankylosis is a dental problem where the roots of baby teeth lose their normal attachment to the bone (small ligaments) and become fused directly to the bone. The cause of this is not known, but it is seen fairly often, particularly in lower primary molars.
 
WILL IT CAUSE PROBLEMS?
Because the ankylosed tooth is fused to the bone, it will no longer erupt normally and will appear submerged. This can lead to tipping of the teeth on either side of it and over-eruption of the opposing tooth in the opposite dental arch (see figure 1).  Ankylosed teeth usually fall out normally, but occasionally will need to be removed if it appears that the anklyosed tooth is blocking the eruption of the permanent tooth underneath. (see figure 2).

WHAT MUST BE DONE?
If the ankylosed tooth begins to drop below the contact point of the neighboring teeth, a small white filling is usually needed to prevent the neighboring teeth from tipping into and trapping the anklyosed tooth. This filling visit usually does not need local anesthesia and usually is easy for your child.