Assessment of the Neonatal/Natal Teeth in Children: A Retrospective Observational Study

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ABSTRACT

Aim

It is rare for teeth to be visible in the mouth at birth or shortly after birth, whether they are additional teeth or primary teeth that have erupted early. If there is excessive mobility, the tooth must be extracted to avoid the risk of aspiration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of these teeth and their effects on the developing dentition in children with natal/neonatal tooth extraction.

Methods

Out of a total of 26 patients in the study, 22 were contacted by phone and 16 of them came for a follow-up visit. At the patients’ follow-up appointments, the stage of dental development, amount of space and the presence of any dental anomalies were assessed.

Results

Of the total of 8 patients who underwent natal/neonatal tooth extractions in the study, all were male (100%). Of the 14 natal/neonatal teeth in these 8 patients, 12 belonged to the primary dentition (86%) and it was observed that these teeth generally erupted in pairs (75%). Patients with an additional deciduous tooth also had an additional tooth in the permanent dentition (100%).

Conclusion

Knowing the characteristics of natal-neonatal teeth, their differential diagnosis, what should be considered in treatment options, and the problems that may arise after extraction of these teeth provides an advantage in the management of these teeth, which is a rare condition.

Study Design

Patients who underwent tooth extraction at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Faculty of Dentistry in the age range of 0-1 years were included in this observational study.

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