Nonsyndromic extremely premature eruption of teeth in preterm neonates - a report of three cases and a review of the literature
Abstract
Objective: Preterm birth is connected to a delay in the development and eruption of primary teeth. The aim of the study is to present clinical findings, complications and management of prematurely erupted primary teeth.
Subjects: Three premature neonates with prematurely erupted teeth were examined during a 3-year period. The gender, gestational age, birthweight, mode of delivery and general health status were recorded.
The literature search was conducted using several databases. Results: The intraoral examination of three premature neonates revealed the presence of partially erupted lower central incisors.
All teeth erupted between 4 and 6 weeks after preterm birth and were extracted due to their hypermobility. Two retrospective studies and 10 case reports concerning preterm infants with natal or neonatal teeth were found.
Conclusion: Careful examination of preterm infants with natal or neonatal teeth is very important not only for a treatment decision but also for the possible presence of syndromic conditions.