Idiopathic ankylosis-resorption: diagnosis and treatment.

Dental ankylosis involves the fusion of root to bone. The idiopathic form occurs spontaneously before the eruption of the tooth concerned. Etiology is unknown. As the tooth becomes part of the bone-remodeling process, it is gradually resorbed and is replaced by bony tissue. The process is quite rapid and weakens the tooth. Thus, early diagnosis makes it possible to perform a graft in optimal conditions, this being the only means of severing the ankylosis and achieving adequate eruption. In some rare cases, the ankylotic point of fusion can be reached surgically and can be eliminated before orthodontic traction is initiated.