Decoronation of Ankylosed Teeth in Adolescents

PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT PATHOLOGY AND ITS ROLE IN TOOTH ERUPTION

The eruption process during adolescence is dependent upon a normal and intact periodontal ligament. In cases of ankylosis normal eruption cannot take place, which creates a problem that can be severe in young patients, leading to progressive infraocclusion. This can also occur in adults where slow continuous eruption usually takes place.²⁰⁷ The following periodontal ligament systems are essential for normal continuous eruption: an intact periodontal ligament structure (Sharpey’s fibers), cervical periosteal fibers (green) that ensure alveolar vertical bone growth during the eruption process, and interdental ligament fibers (red) that maintain a slight interdental ‘compressive’ force between adjacent teeth.