Erupted teeth in the newborn

Abstract

The terms natal teeth and neonatal teeth constitute a relatively artificial distinction and should be further qualified to provide a more practical clinical significance. It is suggested that the terms mature and immature are more in keeping with the varying prognoses associated with such cases. We also consider that speculation concerning a predeciduous series of teeth is based mainly upon fallacy and believe that usage of this term should be discontinued until more positive proof is forthcoming. We have presented a case in which an immature natal tooth required extraction at the age of 2 months. The histologic findings strongly suggest that the tooth would never have become truly functional. We stress that the poor immediate prognosis frequently associated with the immature type of natal and neonatal teeth should be recognized by the profession and that treatment should be instituted accordingly. We also stress, however, that even when radical treatment is resorted to, provided that all other factors are normal, then the long-term prognosis is still reasonably good, as orthodontic problems would not seem to be associated per se with such conditions.