necessary because they are also normal and disappear within several weeks If present along the alveolar ridge ( Fig 117.6 ), they are soft and spongy, asymptomatic, and tend to disappear with time of the eruption of teeth FIGURE 117.6 Dental lamina cyst in a neonate Riga–Fede Disease/Natal or Neonatal Teeth Riga–Fede disease is a condition observed in infants with natal or neonatal teeth It is characterized by ulcerations on the ventral surface of the tongue from irritation caused by the edges of lower incisors during nursing or suckling Treatment is rarely required The incisal edge of the erupting teeth can be smoothed in the dental office if there is bleeding and pain associated with the lesion, and cooperation allows In very severe cases, extraction may be necessary, but only if the natal or neonatal tooth interferes with feeding Suggested Readings and Key References Cawson R, Binnie W, Barrett A, et al Oral Disease 3rd ed Edinburgh: Mosby; 2001