Can Teeth Still Grow at 27? Answers to Your Dental Concerns

Q: Can Teeth Still Grow at 27? Answers to Your Dental Concerns

Hello： 1. <br>Based on experience, after the extraction of the deciduous canine teeth and the first premolars, the impacted canines will usually erupt on their own. <br>Even if they do not erupt spontaneously, they can be orthodontically guided into position, so there is no need

Will teeth continue to grow?

Hello Doctor: I am 27 years old and just had a baby six months ago.
I am currently undergoing orthodontic treatment! I have a canine tooth that is still embedded in the gum.
Previously, it did not erupt because the primary tooth had not fallen out.
A few days ago, during my follow-up appointment for the orthodontic treatment, the doctor extracted the primary tooth and the adjacent first molar, and advised me to wait and see if the embedded canine tooth will erupt.
I would like to ask: 1.
At my age, can teeth still erupt? If so, how long might it take? 2.
If it does not erupt, what should I do? Since the doctor has already extracted the first molar, am I now missing a tooth? Will I need to pay out of pocket for a dental implant? (Initially, the doctor mentioned that I would need to extract two teeth from the upper and lower jaws, totaling four teeth! However, I have already had four teeth extracted from the upper jaw, including two primary teeth that have not yet fallen out.
After extracting the first molar and the primary tooth, the doctor advised me to wait and see if the canine tooth will erupt.) I hope you can provide me with answers! Thank you for your hard work!

Ling Ling, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/05

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: 1.
Based on experience, after the extraction of the deciduous canine teeth and the first premolars, the impacted canines will usually erupt on their own.
Even if they do not erupt spontaneously, they can be orthodontically guided into position, so there is no need to dwell on this issue.
2.
Before any tooth extraction, it is essential to have the dentist explain everything clearly, and you must give your consent before the extraction can proceed! 3.
Regarding the cost, this should be discussed with the orthodontist, as, as mentioned earlier, natural eruption is the simplest option.
However, if orthodontic intervention is required to bring them into position, there will be additional costs involved.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2020/04/05

More Info

At the age of 27, it is quite unusual for teeth to continue to grow or erupt, especially if you are referring to permanent teeth. Typically, the majority of a person's adult teeth have fully erupted by the late teens to early twenties. However, there are exceptions, particularly with certain teeth like canines (often referred to as "tiger teeth" in some cultures) that may remain impacted or unerupted due to various reasons, including the presence of retained primary teeth (baby teeth) or insufficient space in the dental arch.

1. Will My Teeth Still Erupt at 27?
In your case, since you have a canine tooth that is still embedded in the gum, it is possible that it may erupt after the removal of the adjacent primary teeth and the first molar. The timeline for eruption can vary significantly among individuals. If the conditions are favorable (meaning there is enough space and the tooth is positioned correctly), the canine may begin to erupt within a few months to a year after the extraction of the obstructive teeth. However, if it does not erupt naturally, further intervention may be necessary.

2. What If the Tooth Doesn’t Erupt?
If the canine tooth does not erupt after a reasonable period, your dentist may recommend surgical exposure and orthodontic traction to help guide the tooth into its proper position. This procedure involves exposing the tooth surgically and attaching a bracket to it, which can then be connected to your braces to help pull it into place. If this option is not viable or if the tooth is deemed non-functional, your dentist may discuss alternatives such as dental implants or bridges to replace the missing tooth.

Regarding your concern about having a gap due to the extraction of the first molar and the primary teeth, it is important to note that orthodontic treatment often involves strategic extractions to create space for the alignment of the remaining teeth. While it may feel like you have a gap, the overall goal of your orthodontic treatment is to achieve a functional and aesthetically pleasing dental arch.

As for the financial aspect of replacing any missing teeth, it typically depends on your dental insurance coverage. Many insurance plans cover a portion of the costs associated with dental implants or bridges, but you may need to verify your specific plan to understand your out-of-pocket expenses. If you are considering a dental implant or bridge after the orthodontic treatment, it is advisable to consult with your dentist about the best options available and the associated costs.

In summary, while it is less common for teeth to erupt at your age, it is not impossible, especially for canines. If they do not erupt naturally, there are several treatment options available. It is essential to maintain open communication with your orthodontist and dentist throughout this process to ensure that you receive the best care tailored to your specific situation. Regular follow-ups and X-rays may be necessary to monitor the progress of your dental development.

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