Ankylosed Tooth: Symptoms and Treatment

Some natural teeth are not that perfect, even though you might think that they are “healthy” because a dentist has not dealt with them. It is hard to believe, but there are even teeth that look perfect on the outside but hide health issues deep inside. One of these issues is ankylosis—a situation when a tooth becomes so tightly attached to the bone of the jaw that it is considered to be stuck in the bone. Along with the destruction of the balance between the teeth, it is capable of affecting the way you bite and even your facial shape over time.

We at Lema Dental Clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, have seen a whole lot of patients with the “untouched” teeth who impatiently insisted that their teeth were fine, but after a short examination, we discovered numerous problems, among which is ankylosis. The reality is that natural teeth sometimes look unappealing. That’s the point where advanced dentistry plays a role. The beautifying effects of veneers, implants, and Hollywood smile treatments are not the only ones, but they also bring back the lost function, the lost harmony, and the lost confidence.

How Is Ankylosis Diagnosed?

Ankylosis is very deceptive. It is not always accompanied by pain or swelling, and, therefore, the majority of people are unaware of it for years. Dentists, on the other hand, identify it by a combination of a physical examination and the use of advanced imaging techniques. This is what occurs:

• Mobility Test – The dentist tries to check whether the tooth can move a little under the influence of force. Teeth that have been ankylosed are those that are non-movable at all.
• Percussion Test – The tooth is tapped, but instead of a dull thud, a sharp, “metallic” sound is produced.
• Radiographic Examination – In an X-ray image of a normal tooth, a very thin dark line (periodontal ligament space) can be seen around the root. In the ankylosed teeth, due to the direct fusion of the root with the jawbone, the space has disappeared.

At Lema Dental Clinic, we don’t stop with this. We go further with our digital panoramic and 3D cone-beam scans to take in the tiniest details. This means there is no room for guessing—a direct and accurate diagnosis that enables us to draw up the most suitable treatment plan for your oral health and beauty.

What Causes Tooth Crush?

“Crush” may seem over the top, but still, it adequately depicts the condition when a tooth support system gets damaged due to force or pressure. Some of the causes that are typical for this condition are:

• Physical Trauma – The periodontal ligament can be ruptured due to an injury from sports, a car accident, or a hard fall.
• Repeated Stress – Bruxism and malocclusion have the capability to wear out the ligaments gradually as a result of continuous use.
• Genetic Factors – A few individuals may be more prone because of the way their development has been.
• Failed Eruption – In a case where ankylosis has happened to the baby teeth, then these teeth will not fall out, and the adult teeth that are underneath will be caught.

Eventually, a tooth that is not erupting anymore, alongside the ones that are moving, will have cavities, spaces, and the bite will not be in alignment. So here is the place where cosmetic dentistry comes to help. Lema Dental Clinic’s Hollywood Smile makeovers are not only the ones that cover the flaws but also the ones that bring back the beauty and the proper bite by correcting them.

Signs That Your Tooth May Be Ankylized

Not all cases of ankylosis can be easily identified; however, there are certain indications that one can find at home or by just looking at the pictures:

• One tooth seems to be shorter or lower than the rest.
• The tooth is still in its place, but neighbors have changed positions.
• You can hear a metallic “ping” when a light tap is done on the tooth with a metal utensil.
• The gumline near the tooth may be a little different or slightly lower.
• Your bite is off, or you get a slight pain in the area when eating.

Do not let it become worse if you find any of these signs. Ankylosis might cause you long-term functional issues and aesthetic imbalance—especially in the front teeth, where symmetry is the secret to a nice smile.

Why Is Early Diagnosis Necessary?

The diagnosis made early changes everything. Orthodontists can, in some cases, if the situation is among kids or adolescents, through proper treatment, manage the bite in a way that the ankylosed tooth doesn’t give a lot of trouble. In the case of adults, only ankylosis can lead to:

• Extreme bite misalignment
• Gum recession
• Bone resorption around the tooth
• The inability to chew or speak clearly
• The unevenness of the smile that can be visually noticed

Lema Dental Clinic represents the early detection as early cosmetic planning, as well. In case of a tooth going to be replaced, the dental veneers, implants, or complete Hollywood Smile treatment can be scheduled in stages so you can have the best smile at any point during the process.

Ankylosis Treatment Options

How an ankylosed tooth is treated is mostly based on your age, the place of the tooth, and the degree of the condition.

• 1. Surgical Removal: If the tooth is already too far to be saved, then removal might be the best option. A dental implant is used to restore both the look and function of the tooth.
• 2. Crown or Veneer Restoration: In case the tooth can be repositioned or built up, then a porcelain veneer or crown can not only restore its natural length and shape but also make it indistinguishable from the other teeth.
• 3. Orthodontic Management: In the case of young patients, the use of braces or aligners can aid in the repositioning of the surrounding teeth to achieve a balanced bite.

• 4. Full Hollywood Smile Makeover: If a patient desires a complete change, then a Hollywood Smile at Lema Dental Clinic, which integrates veneers, implants, whitening, and bite correction, can offer the patient a perfect and symmetrical outcome.

The Lema Dental Clinic Difference

The solution provided by Lema Dental Clinic for the ankylosis is no way “a repair”. The collaborative team, comprised of prosthodontists, cosmetic dentists, and orthodontists, leads to the development of results not only beautiful but also healthy. To make sure that your renewed smile appears to be your own, feels comfortable, and is long-lasting, we employ cutting-edge technology, high-quality materials, and the work of an artist.

Our patients frequently share that the treatment they received was not only dental care but also a confidence boost. And that’s the real magic of contemporary dentistry.

FAQ: Ankylosed Tooth