What percentage of ankylosed teeth exfoliate on time or within 6 months?

The answer indicating that 73% of ankylosed teeth exfoliate on time or within 6 months is supported by clinical studies that have examined the behavior of ankylosed teeth. Ankylosis refers to the fusion of a tooth to the surrounding alveolar bone, which can disrupt the normal timeline of tooth exfoliation.

Research has shown that while ankylosed teeth may exhibit delayed exfoliation in some cases, a significant majority—specifically around 73%—will still adhere to the expected timeline for shedding, either at the natural time or slightly delayed, typically within a 6-month window. This understanding is crucial for orthodontic and dental professionals as it aids in treatment planning and monitoring the progression of mixed dentition. The statistics inform clinicians that while there is a risk of non-exfoliation and retention of ankylosed teeth beyond the typical period, most of these teeth still have predictable patterns of exfoliation. Consequently, the insight that a substantial percentage do exfoliate on time reflects the importance of continued monitoring and intervention when necessary.