Potential Issues of Retained Baby Teeth: What You Need to Know

Is there any risk of complications if primary teeth are still present?

Hello, Doctor: Recently during a dental visit, I was informed that I have a primary tooth among my 28 teeth, specifically the second to last tooth on the upper left side.
Will this cause any problems? Thank you! ^^

orguss, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/01/18

Dr. Zhuang Suhui reply Dentistry

If you currently have 28 teeth (excluding wisdom teeth), the second to last tooth cannot be a primary tooth, as there are only 20 primary teeth, evenly distributed across four quadrants, with 5 teeth in each quadrant.
Permanent teeth total 28, with 7 teeth in each quadrant.
The second to last tooth erupts at around age 6 and is not a replacement for a primary tooth unless you have had a permanent tooth extracted.
If the second to last tooth is not the first molar, then that is a different matter.
It is advisable to consult another dentist for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2010/01/18

More Info

Retained baby teeth, or retained primary teeth, can indeed lead to various dental issues if not addressed properly. When a child has retained baby teeth, it means that the primary teeth have not fallen out as expected, which can interfere with the eruption of permanent teeth. This situation can lead to several potential complications, including misalignment of the permanent teeth, overcrowding, and even issues with bite alignment.

In your case, having one retained primary tooth out of the 28 is not uncommon, but it is essential to monitor the situation closely. The primary teeth are meant to be placeholders for the permanent teeth that will eventually erupt. If a primary tooth remains in place longer than it should, it can prevent the permanent tooth from coming in properly. This can result in the permanent tooth coming in at an incorrect angle or position, leading to crowding or misalignment.

One of the primary concerns with retained baby teeth is that they can become decayed or damaged over time. If the retained tooth is not healthy, it may need to be extracted to prevent further complications. Additionally, if the primary tooth is retained due to the absence of the corresponding permanent tooth, it may lead to a gap in the dental arch, which can affect the overall aesthetics and function of the teeth.

Another issue that can arise from retained baby teeth is the potential for gum disease. If the primary tooth is not properly aligned or is decayed, it can create areas that are difficult to clean, leading to plaque buildup and gum inflammation. This can further complicate the dental health of the child.

To address your concerns, it is advisable to consult with a pediatric dentist who can evaluate the retained tooth and determine the best course of action. They may take X-rays to assess the underlying permanent tooth's position and health. If the permanent tooth is present and healthy, the dentist may recommend monitoring the situation for a while longer. However, if the primary tooth is causing problems or if the permanent tooth is absent, extraction may be necessary.

In some cases, if the retained tooth is causing significant issues, orthodontic treatment may be required to correct any misalignment that has occurred. Early intervention can help prevent more complex dental problems in the future.

In summary, while having a retained baby tooth is not uncommon, it is essential to keep an eye on it and seek professional dental advice. Regular dental check-ups will help ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly, promoting better oral health for your child as they grow.

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