The Value of a Tooth for Alveolar Ridge Management; Strategies to Manage Ankylosed Maxillary Anterior Teeth in Young Patients.

Objective: In the young and growing patient, tooth ankylosis impedes alveolar growth and presents a serious dilemma regarding the best treatment approach. Two common treatment approaches, extraction of the ankylosed tooth or a "wait and see" will result in a compromised alveolar ridge that can affect future prosthetic rehabilitation. The purpose of this article is to discuss five treatment strategies that can be utilized in the management of tooth ankylosis in the growing patient: (1) extraction, (2) decoronation or root submergence, (3) socket shield (partial extraction), (4) segmental osteotomy and (5) replacement with tooth autotransplantation.

Overview: It is important to understand the biologic sequelae of ankylosis and the value of the tooth for alveolar ridge management. Strategies will be discussed with an emphasis on alveolar ridge management using a natural tooth and root. With an interdisciplinary team, treatment options can then be developed, to achieve more favorable long-term outcomes.

Conclusions: An understanding of each of these procedures and the proper time for implementation will help the clinician achieve the most optimal long-term outcomes for these growing patients.

Clinical significance: There are several treatment options for traumatized ankylosed incisors in growing patients. This article will describe the details of these treatment strategies, emphasize the value of the tooth for ridge management and present guidelines about selecting the most optimal strategy based on age, rate of growth, condition of the traumatized tooth, and the definitive prosthetic plan.