Clinico-pathological aspects of a residual natal tooth: a case report

J Oral Pathol Med. 2002 Apr;31(4):239-41. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0714.2002.310408.x.

Abstract

A Japanese girl was referred to Osaka University Dental Hospital for examination of a tooth-like structure that had erupted following spontaneous exfoliation of a natal tooth in the lower left primary central incisor region. The structure had erupted at 6 months of age, and radiographic and clinical examination showed composition of pulp and dentin, but no enamel. On histological examination, the majority of the dentin area had a tubular dentin-like appearance, while the outer area of the root appeared to be composed of an osteodentin-like substance. Most of the dentin was covered by cementum. These findings suggest that the structure had originated from a developing remnant of the extracted natal tooth, which must have remained in the gingival tissues. We termed this calcified structure a residual natal tooth.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anodontia / pathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dental Cementum / pathology
  • Dental Pulp / pathology
  • Dentin / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Incisor / abnormalities
  • Infant
  • Natal Teeth / pathology*
  • Tooth, Deciduous / abnormalities
  • Tooth, Unerupted / pathology*