Ankylodontia

/ˌæŋkɪloʊˈdɑnʃə/ noun

Definition

A dental condition where teeth are fused to the jawbone or become immobilized due to loss of the tooth socket's flexibility.

Etymology

From Greek 'ankylo-' (stiff, bent) combined with 'odontia' (from 'odous', tooth). A specialized dental/orthodontic term from the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Baby teeth sometimes fuse to the jawbone and can't fall out naturally—dentists have to carefully remove them so adult teeth have room to erupt. It's like nature forgot to build an escape route!

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