Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 197, 385 - 391 (2004)
Published online: 9 October 2004 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4811712
Verifiable CPD Paper:
Eruptive tooth movement — the current state of knowledge
- Eruption is both a developmental and adaptive process, and continues throughout life.
- Overeruption can be expected to occur when an opposing tooth is lost.
- Overeruption of an unopposed tooth may present challenges for restoration.
- Eruptive tooth movement may be prevented or modified by a variety of clinical interventions.
- Considerations of the possible consequence of leaving a tooth unopposed, need to be addressed as part of the general treatment planning.
Abstract
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.
- Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry, Division of Restorative Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS2 9LU
- Senior Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry, Division of Restorative Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS2 9LU
Correspondence to: H L Craddock1 e-mail: H.L.Craddock@leeds.ac.uk