Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2025

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Natal and neonatal teeth: a review and case series
Michaela DeSeta1, Ella Holden2, Dania Siddik3
1Specialty Registrar in Paediatric Dentistry, King´s College Hospital and Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, London, UK. michaela.deseta@nhs.net.
Abstract:
Natal and neonatal teeth are a relatively rare but well-documented phenomenon, with the majority being prematurely erupted teeth of the normal primary dentition. Related complications include feeding issues, traumatic lingual ulceration and risk of aspiration. We present three clinical cases referred to the Paediatric Dentistry Department at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and their management. Treatment choice is based on individual assessment of each patient and options include monitoring, smoothing of the teeth or extraction. General dental practitioners should be able to diagnose natal and neonatal teeth and provide initial management in primary care, with referral to secondary care services in more complex cases or those which are likely to require extraction.
Related Concept Videos
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.

