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Published on: March 29, 2018
[Natal and neonatal teeth: Update on current knowledge and treatments]
C Gouédard1, P de Vries2, C Darbin-Luxcey3
1Faculté d'odontologie de Brest, UBO-UEB, 22, avenue Camille-Desmoulins, 29200 Brest, France; Service d'odontologie du CHRU de Brest, 2, rue Auguste-Le-Faux, 29200 Brest, France; Laboratoire brestois de mécanique et des systèmes EA 4325, 29200 Brest, France.
Abstract:
Being born with a tooth is indeed possible! Teeth may be present at birth (natal tooth) or they may appear within the 1st month of life (neonatal tooth). In their shape and composition, they look like physiological primary teeth. Of still unknown etiology, natal and neonatal teeth remain an uncommon phenomenon. Hereditary, endocrine, or environmental factors may be involved: no conclusive relationship has been proven. The treatment must be adapted to each tooth and each child. Several treatments are available to dental surgeons: extraction or arch maintenance. The aim of this article is to help doctors and pediatricians understand this phenomenon and provide them with tools to support these children and their parents optimally.
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