Treat Ankylosed Tooth in Adults
Ankylosed teeth pose significant challenges to oral health and function. This condition, in which a tooth becomes fused to the jawbone, can lead to alignment issues, chewing difficulties, and other complications if left untreated. Fair City Mall Dental Care offers an in-depth look at ankylosed teeth and the available treatments to guide patients toward informed decisions. Reach out to us to learn more today.
What Is an Ankylosed Tooth?
An ankylosed tooth occurs when the periodontal ligament is absent, which typically allows slight movement and separates the tooth from the bone. This results in the tooth fusing directly to the jawbone. It is more commonly seen in primary teeth but can also affect permanent teeth.
Ankylosed Tooth Symptoms
A dental professional can often diagnose ankylosis through clinical evaluation and imaging. Some of the most common ankylosed teeth symptoms include:
- A tooth appearing lower or sunken compared to adjacent teeth.
- Difficulty in moving the tooth during dental evaluation.
- Challenges in tooth eruption (most commonly in children).
- Jaw pain, adjacent tooth misalignment, or biting problems.
Causes of Ankylosis in Teeth
The exact cause of ankylosis in teeth is often undetermined, as different factors can cause the issue. The most common causes of an ankylosed tooth include:
- Dental Trauma: Injuries that damage the periodontal ligament can result in fusion to the bone.
- Untreated Dental Infection: Gum or periodontal infections may weaken the ligament.
- Developmental Abnormalities: Genetic or environmental factors may hinder proper tooth development.
- Heredity: Family history often plays a role in susceptibility.
Are Ankylosed Teeth Hard to Remove?
Yes, ankylosed teeth are notably difficult to extract due to their bone-to-tooth fusion. Significant force or surgical intervention may be needed, unlike typical extractions, particularly for permanent teeth. Proper planning and expertise are essential for effective management.
How Do You Treat Ankylosis in Teeth?
Ankylosis treatment in teeth depends on the severity, type of tooth, symptoms, and patient goals. The most common management strategies for ankylosis in teeth include:
- Monitoring: Dentists may recommend regular monitoring if the ankylosed tooth causes no immediate problem.
- Orthodontic Intervention: When alignment issues arise due to an ankylosed tooth, orthodontic treatments, such as braces, may reposition the surrounding teeth. This often sets the stage for additional surgical or restorative procedures.
- Restorative Treatments: Restorations like crowns may build up the lower ankylosed tooth to align cosmetically and functionally with surrounding teeth.
- Segmental Osteotomy: A specialized surgical procedure is performed to reposition the fused tooth and surrounding bone.
- Surgical Extraction: This is often the last resort, especially for permanent teeth. After extraction, options like dental implants or bridges may be employed to restore missing tooth functions.
How to Extract an Ankylosed Tooth
Extracting an ankylosed tooth requires additional expertise compared to standard extractions. We extract an ankylosed tooth using the following plan:
- Planning: We use imaging (X-rays or CT scans) to understand the degree of fusion.
- Integration of Surgical Techniques: Tools like a piezoelectric surgical unit are used to safely separate the fused tooth from the bone.
- Rehabilitation: Following extraction, prosthetics like dentures, implants, or bridges ensure proper restoration of function and aesthetics.
Is Ankylosis Reversible?
Currently, there’s no reversal for ankylosis in teeth. Treatments focus on addressing the symptoms and improving functionality or aesthetics. Our team will assess your needs to determine the most effective treatment for ankylosis.
Why Choose Us for Ankylosed Teeth Treatment?
At Fair City Mall Dental Care, we combine cutting-edge technology with personalized care. You can count on us to treat you like family, whether you need extensive treatment or general dentistry. We specialize in surgical extractions and modern prosthetics. Our team provides orthodontic support, imaging services, and post-surgical rehabilitation under one roof. You can expect to feel calm and educated when you walk through our doors.
Contact Us for Ankylosed Tooth Treatment
Fair City Mall Dental Care is here for you if you suspect you have an ankylosed tooth. We understand the challenges of an ankylosed tooth, so we’re here with fast and efficient treatments. Let our team of experts take care of your dental needs. We offer comprehensive dental care to boost your oral health. Contact us today to schedule a dental appointment.