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What does ankylosis mean in dental terminology?

  1. Failure of a tooth to erupt

  2. Fusion of the cementum of the root with the alveolar bone

  3. Excessive tooth mobility

  4. Severe tooth decay

The correct answer is: Fusion of the cementum of the root with the alveolar bone

Ankylosis in dental terminology refers to the fusion of the cementum of the tooth root with the surrounding alveolar bone. This condition prevents the tooth from normal movement in its socket and can lead to problems with occlusion due to the lack of mobility. When ankylosis occurs, it is often seen in permanent teeth that are affected by trauma or severe periodontal disease, indicating a pathological state in which the normal dentoalveolar structure is altered. This fusion can result in complications for orthodontic treatments as it immobilizes the tooth. Understanding this definition is critical for dental professionals, particularly in diagnosing and formulating treatment plans for patients presenting with tooth eruption issues or misalignments arising from abnormal tooth positioning.