As a parent, watching your child grow is both exciting and nerve-wracking. A significant milestone is when their first set of milk teeth falls, the tooth fairy comes, and your wallet ends up a little bit lighter… But what if the new, permanent teeth don’t erupt? Is it time to call a family dentist in Morton, IL?
Each little smile is different, and every kid’s permanent teeth will come in their time—but if the adult teeth haven’t appeared after several months, various things might be happening, and luckily, there’s something you can do.
What’s “Normal” When It Comes to Permanent Teeth?
Most children begin to lose their baby teeth around the age of six, with permanent teeth appearing in their early teens. However, eruption patterns vary considerably. In general:
- Front teeth (incisors) appear around ages 6-8.
- Canines and molars may appear between ages 9 and 13.
If it has been more than six months since a baby tooth fell out and no adult tooth has appeared, it may be time to see your family dentist. Various factors can cause a delay in eruption, such as:
1. Lack of Space in the Jaw
Your child's jaw may not always be able to accommodate new teeth. When this happens, adult teeth may become "stuck" under the gums. This is especially common when baby teeth fall out prematurely or late, resulting in spacing issues.
2. Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is obstructed from coming in, usually by bone, gum tissue, or another tooth. This is more common with molars and canines and may necessitate orthodontic treatment.
3. Teeth Growing in the Wrong Direction
In some cases, a permanent tooth may grow sideways or at an angle, preventing it from erupting properly into its correct position. Dentists frequently detect this early on with dental X-rays and can guide it into the proper position.
4. Extra Teeth (Hyperdontia)
Some children develop extra teeth, which can prevent regular teeth from erupting. These are usually discovered with X-rays and may require removal.
5. Medical or Developmental Conditions
Delayed eruption can occasionally be linked to medical conditions such as:
- Genetic disorders
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Hormonal imbalances
A dental exam, along with a review of medical history, can help determine if a larger health issue is contributing.
What to Do If You’re Concerned
The best first step is to schedule a consultation with your family dentist in Morton, IL. We will take dental X-rays to examine what’s happening below the gumline and conduct a growth and spacing evaluation to assess jaw development.
In many cases, the issue is minor and just needs a little time—or a simple solution, such as dental extraction or orthodontic treatment, or, in some cases, oral surgery.
Protect Your Child’s Future Smile with a Family Dentist in Morton, IL
If your child’s permanent teeth seem delayed, don’t panic. There are many normal reasons why teeth might take longer to appear, and just as many practical solutions.
At our Smalltown Dental, we will assess your child’s unique development and recommend the best path forward—whether that means waiting a bit longer or stepping in with care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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