As humans, we have two sets of teeth throughout our lives and the first set of teeth that grow in are commonly known as baby teeth. Do adults still have their baby teeth and if so, why does it happen? Read on to learn more answers to this question and more!
The development of teeth
This first set of teeth we get typically begin coming in at age six to ten months. Twenty baby teeth are grown in by the age of three. The teeth are lost and start falling out due to the second set or adult teeth start to form behind the existing primary teeth causing them to push against the teeth. Causing the baby teeth to become loose and eventually fall out, but sometimes the teeth do not push out and will remain into adulthood. There are a few reasons why this occurs and what doctors do to treat adult baby teeth.
What are adult baby teeth?
It is not uncommon for adults to have baby teeth remaining and for people who have them as adults, the second molar is usually retained. This is because the primary tooth does not have a second one growing behind it. Depending on the area of the mouth where a baby tooth is still present in an adult is what determines the level of difficulty for treatment without causing complications. The main risk of leaving baby teeth untreated is possibility of complications in tooth development. A few examples are:
- Infraocclusion- baby teeth remain in a fixed position while the teeth next to them continue to come in.
- Occlusal trauma- the teeth do not line up when the mouth is closed and the bite is rested.
- Diastema– spaces or gaps between the teeth.
Why do baby teeth remain?
There can be various reasons why baby teeth may remain in the mouth longer than expected or persist into adulthood. Here are a few possible explanations:
- Delayed eruption of permanent teeth: The eruption of permanent teeth is a complex process that follows a specific timeline. Sometimes, the permanent teeth may experience a delay in eruption, which can result in the baby teeth remaining in place for an extended period. This delay could be due to factors such as genetics, tooth development issues, or systemic conditions.
- Missing permanent teeth: In some cases, the permanent teeth that should replace the baby teeth may be missing. This condition is known as hypodontia or congenitally missing teeth. Without permanent teeth to push the baby teeth out, the baby teeth can remain in the mouth.
- Retained root fragments: Occasionally, during the process of shedding baby teeth, the roots of the baby teeth do not dissolve or resorb completely. These retained root fragments can prevent the eruption of permanent teeth and cause the baby teeth to remain.
- Dental anomalies or malformations: Certain dental anomalies or malformations can disrupt the normal process of tooth eruption and shedding. These anomalies can include supernumerary teeth (extra teeth), tooth impaction (teeth trapped beneath the gumline), or abnormalities in tooth development.
- Orthodontic issues: If there is crowding or insufficient space in the dental arch, the permanent teeth may not have enough room to come in properly. This can lead to the baby teeth staying in place and not being replaced by permanent teeth.
It’s important to consult with a dental professional, such as a dentist or orthodontist, who can evaluate your specific situation and determine the underlying cause of your baby teeth remaining. They can then recommend appropriate treatment options to address the issue effectively.
The most common reason for baby teeth to remain is when the primary tooth is not replaced by the adult tooth. There are a few different conditions that can result in an adult having baby teeth:
- Hyperdontia- having too many, or extra teeth and there is not enough room for permanent teeth to grow in.
- Hypodontia- missing one to five permanent adult teeth.
- Oligodontia- missing more than six permanent teeth.
- Anodontia- missing a majority of or all of their adult teeth.
- Ankylosis- a rare disorder that occurs when the teeth fuse to the bone, which prevents new teeth growing in.
- Mouth trauma or an infection in the mouth can get in the way of tooth development and eruption.
What can you do if you have baby teeth as an adult?
If you still have baby teeth as an adult, it is recommended to consult with a dentist or orthodontist for an evaluation. They will be able to assess your situation and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options. Here are a few possibilities that may be considered:
- Monitoring: In some cases, baby teeth may remain in the mouth longer than usual but still function adequately. If your baby teeth are healthy, well-positioned, and not causing any issues, your dentist may choose to monitor them periodically without intervention.
- Extraction: If your baby teeth are causing problems, such as crowding or preventing the eruption of permanent teeth, extraction may be necessary. The extraction process involves removing the baby teeth to make room for the permanent teeth to come in properly.
- Orthodontic treatment: If your baby teeth are causing misalignment or crowding, orthodontic treatment may be recommended. Orthodontists can use braces, aligners, or other appliances to gradually move the teeth into their proper positions. This treatment can help create space for permanent teeth to erupt and improve overall dental alignment.
- Dental implants: In cases where permanent teeth are missing or cannot erupt due to the presence of baby teeth, dental implants may be considered. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone and can support a dental crown or bridge to replace missing teeth.
Remember, the best course of action will depend on your specific dental situation. It’s essential to seek professional advice from a qualified dental professional who can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.
There are times when retaining the tooth may be the best option for a patient. This is when the tooth and the root are still in good health, have good structure, and is well functioning.
Modification may be needed to prevent infraocclusion even if the tooth root and crown are in a healthy condition. A simple modification to this would be adding a cap to the baby tooth. This will give it the appearance of an adult tooth.
In the case of extreme crowding, a baby tooth may need to be removed in order to straighten the teeth. That being said, removing a baby tooth with no replacement can lead to further complications.
If the baby tooth is very weak and has root resorption (decay) replacing the baby tooth may be necessary. Using an implant to replace the tooth is what is commonly used. If getting a crown is the treatment plan, waiting for the development of the skeletal structure is necessary. Late teen years is a good time period as the skeletal structure is formed.Find your next dentist at Perfect Teeth today!