Prematurely erupted tooth in the molar region

Abstract

Prematurely erupted teeth may be found in the mouth of a baby at birth or in the first few days after birth. The aetiology of the premature eruption is not known, but many factors have been associated. Such teeth are usually extracted to prevent their aspiration especially when they are mobile. This paper reports the case of a thirty-three-day old male child who was seen at the outpatient clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan with a tooth- like structure in the maxillary right molar region. This firm structure which resembled a primary molar had only two definite buccal cusps, no lingual cusp and no occlusal table. Based on the immature form and the mobility, the tooth was extracted. The poor prognosis associated with such prematurely erupted teeth needs to be recognized and treatment instituted accordingly. The need to adopt a transcultural approach in managing cases in which parents\' cultural beliefs create anxiety over the presence of such teeth was also stressed. It was concluded that dental professionals have a role to play in the management of neonates with premature tooth eruption so as to prevent complications.