Orthodontic alignment of ankylosed teeth with aid of surgical luxation: Case series

BACKGROUND: Identification of tooth ankylosis before comprehensive orthodontic treatment can be challenging. This case series illustrates different presentations of tooth ankylosis, the importance of early diagnosis, the use of surgical luxation to aid orthodontic alignment of ankylosed teeth and its sequelae.

CASE PRESENTATION: All three cases were adolescents: a 14-year-old girl with a highly placed upper left lateral incisor and history of general anaesthesia; a 14-year-old boy with an impacted upper right first premolar and history of dental trauma; and a 13-year-old girl with an infraoccluded upper left central incisor with history of replantation due to avulsion. Iatrogenic malocclusion developed from attempts to align ankylosed teeth. Subsequently, surgical luxation was performed, and the ankylosed teeth were successfully aligned. However, it was associated with pulp calcification, root resorption and recurrence of ankylosis.

CONCLUSION: Surgical luxation and orthodontic alignment of ankylosed teeth can be considered a useful short-term solution to delay the need of surgical removal and teeth replacement.