Eruptive tooth movement--the current state of knowledge.

How the dentition erupts, and what controls it, is fundamental to almost all aspects of clinical dentistry, yet the mechanisms behind this have not yet been fully elucidated. When the process continues into space that has been created through toothwear or tooth loss, problems in placing restorations can be encountered. This review examines the possible mechanisms of tooth eruption. Differences between processes in animals and humans are highlighted. The limitations of conclusions drawn from animal studies are then discussed with reference to human dental conditions. The differing forms of overeruption in humans are described and the treatment options for overerupted teeth, including prevention of the situation arising, are provided with a discussion of the quality of the evidence base behind these.