A Periodontist Can Replace a Permanent Baby Tooth

A small percentage of adults have a permanent baby tooth that should be replaced with a dental implant by a periodontist. Permanent baby teeth are referred to as retained primary teeth and can cause developmental abnormalities or cosmetic defects.

Retained primary teeth are rare but possible

The usual pattern for permanent teeth development is that baby teeth grow in first– this is known as primary dentition. As baby teeth fall out, adult permanent teeth grow in to replace them. In some cases, a baby tooth may remain due to the absence of a permanent successor. The absence of one to five adult teeth is known as hypodontia.

The absence of six or more is known as oligodontia. These conditions are typically hereditary. In rare instances, there is a complete lack of any permanent teeth, which is known as anodontia. In some cases, a permanent tooth is present but fails to erupt through the gum.

A retained primary tooth is usually noticeable by its appearance. Retained primary teeth are typically smaller and a different shape than adult teeth. They may also be a different color than surrounding teeth.

Tooth extraction or modification

While baby teeth are not usually harmful, they are often aesthetically unpleasing. In rare cases, the presence of retained primary teeth may cause dental crowding, discomfort, or gum disease.  Permanent baby teeth typically fall out between the ages of 20 and 45; however, they can sometimes fuse to the jaw bone making it difficult for them to fall out naturally.

Many retained primary teeth have a poor prognosis, requiring removal before an abscess or infection occurs. A periodontist can remove an abscess if this is the case. The extraction will occur after the patient is under sedation or numbing. If the tooth needs removal, a dental implant will replace it.

If a patient’s permanent baby tooth is structurally sound and is not causing discomfort or crowding, it can simply be modified to improve its cosmetic appearance. During a modification, the tooth will be reshaped and colored with a hard filling material to match nearby teeth.

Tooth replacement

If we have to remove the retained primary tooth, we can easily replace it with a dental implant. Dental implants have high success rates, are cosmetically pleasing, and last longer than any other tooth replacement option. During this procedure, we will place an implant rod into the jawbone to acts as a root for the new tooth. Once the implant rod successfully integrates with the bone, we will attach a crown to the rod, filling the space that was left by the extracted tooth. The crown will also provide the patient with a new strong and long-lasting replacement.

Learn more about the options 

If you believe you may have a permanent baby tooth and you are dissatisfied with how it looks or how it works, schedule an appointment today. A periodontist can exam the tooth to determine if it can be modified or if it should be replaced with a dental implant to improve the performance and appearance of your teeth.