Neonatal teeth: Importance of histological findings in management update

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ABSTRACT

Background

Presence of teeth in a newborn represents a rare finding and a disturbance of biological chronology of
teeth. The aim of this paper is to report two cases with neonatal teeth histologically examined.

Case report

In this paper two cases of patients with neonatal teeth are reported and histological examinations of three extracted teeth are described. We report an
exceptional finding in one of the neonatal teeth microscopically examined: a massive inflammatory infiltration in the pulp tissue similar to that in pulpitis.

Results

The management of natal and neonatal teeth usually includes the extraction in case of ulceration on the
tongue or severe tooth mobility to prevent accidental inhalation or feeding disturbances. The presence of an inflammatory infiltration of
pulp tissue in one of teeth histologically examined suggests to review the indications for extraction considered to date.

Conclusion

The management of natal and neonatal teeth should consider the presence of an inflammatory infiltration of pulp tissue. An anamnestic
interview is advisable in ordert to deeply investigate about possible behaviours of the child due to pain or discomfort.

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