How is ankylosis defined in dental terms?

Ankylosis in dental terms refers to the condition where a tooth is fused to the surrounding alveolar bone, which restricts its ability to erupt fully into the oral cavity. This fusion can occur due to various factors, such as trauma or inflammation, and it often results in the affected tooth being immobile and not aligning properly with the adjacent teeth.

In the case of ankylosis, the periodontal ligament that typically allows for slight movement and acts as a cushion between the tooth and bone is absent, leading to the direct contact of the tooth root with the bone. This condition can result in the tooth being submerged in the alveolar bone, which may affect the overall dental occlusion and alignment.

Understanding ankylosis is crucial for dental professionals as it can impact treatment planning, especially in cases of orthodontic treatment, extraction, or the management of impacted teeth.