Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

A primary second molar that becomes ankylotic can be problematic as a space maintainer, primarily because it does not keep up with the rest of the occlusion. When an ankylotic tooth is present, it becomes fused to the surrounding alveolar bone, which prevents it from erupting alongside the adjacent teeth as they develop and erupt. This situation leads to a discrepancy in the vertical height of the occlusion, causing potential issues in overall alignment and function as the child grows.

As the permanent teeth erupt, the ankylotic primary molar remains static, which can create a situation where the adjacent teeth over-erupt or drift into the space where the primary tooth is anchored. This misalignment can complicate future dental treatments and may necessitate interventions such as orthodontic care or the extraction of the primary molar to restore proper occlusion.

The answer indicates a crucial understanding of dental occlusion dynamics and the importance of maintaining proper vertical alignment and space for the eventual eruption of permanent teeth. In the case of an ankylotic primary molar, its failure to adjust and maintain appropriate positioning can lead to significant complications in the development of the dentition.