If you have a baby tooth as an adult, here's what you should consider:
Understanding Retained Baby Teeth
Sometimes, a baby tooth (also called a primary tooth) doesn't fall out as expected. This can happen because the permanent tooth underneath it might be missing, impacted, or misaligned. This retained baby tooth can then present various scenarios that you might need to address.
Options and Considerations
Here's a breakdown of what you can do, based on the information from dentists:
| Option | Description | When to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Keep it | If the baby tooth is healthy, functional, and causes no problems, you might decide to keep it. | If the tooth is in good condition, does not impede chewing or speech, and there is no underlying dental concern |
| Monitor it | Regular checkups with your dentist can help monitor the situation, look for any changes, and catch any developing problems early. | If the dentist advises to observe the tooth and you are not experiencing issues |
| Removal | A dentist may recommend removing your baby tooth, especially if it's causing issues or preventing the proper eruption of an adult tooth. | If the baby tooth is loose, damaged, or if it's hindering the proper growth of the permanent teeth or causing bite problems |
| Artificial Replacement | After removing the baby tooth, the dentist can close the gap using orthodontic methods (if possible), leave the space open, or replace the tooth with a bridge or implant. | If the baby tooth's removal creates a gap that affects chewing, speech, or aesthetics, especially when the permanent tooth will not erupt in its place |
Specific scenarios and what you should consider:
- No problems: If the tooth causes no pain, no difficulties with chewing or speaking, and the dentist confirms its good condition, you may keep it and monitor it with regular checkups.
- Underlying adult tooth: If the adult tooth is trying to come in but is blocked by the baby tooth, removal is usually recommended to allow the permanent tooth to erupt correctly.
- Tooth is loose or damaged: If the baby tooth is loose, broken, or has decay, a dentist should assess the situation and removal may be the best course of action.
- Cosmetic concerns: If the appearance of the baby tooth affects your smile, you can explore options like removal and replacement with a dental prosthetic.
Key Takeaway
Ultimately, the best course of action regarding a baby tooth depends on your individual circumstances. A dentist can give you the most suitable advice after assessing your tooth and its impact on your oral health. The dentist may either recommend leaving it be or removing it and offer options to manage the resulting space. Remember that a dentist may recommend removing a person's baby teeth.
