Ectopic eruption refers to what?

• A. Delayed eruption due to lack of signals.
• B. Eruption occurring in an abnormal position due to misdirected eruption path.
• C. Tooth eruption in proper position.
• D. Eruption of a tooth without any root formation.

Answer: (B)

Ectopic eruption means a tooth erupts in an abnormal position because its eruption path is misdirected. Normally, teeth follow a guided path into their proper place, with signals from the dental follicle and surrounding tissues directing them. When that guidance or path goes off course—due to crowding, extra teeth, or other local factors—the tooth emerges in an unusual location or orientation. That misdirected path is what defines ectopic eruption, not simply a delay in eruption or eruption in the correct position, or eruption before root formation is complete.