Many people have retained primary teeth. This condition is sometimes called persistent primary teeth and is relatively rare. Only a few studies have been conducted to determine whether retained primary teeth pose any serious health risks. Sound primary teeth are likely to serve their patients well throughout their childhood and adult life. However, retained primary teeth can lead to problems including dental caries, loss of arch integrity, distal drifting, and mesial tipping of adjacent permanent teeth.
The most common over-retained primary teeth are the second molars and canines in the maxilla. These primary teeth are retained because the permanent tooth has not yet erupted. This permanent tooth will push on the baby tooth until it falls out. Without the pressure of the permanent tooth, the primary tooth is likely to stay in place. Fortunately, most retained primary teeth are not harmful and are usually harmless. However, if they do cause gum problems, you may need to remove the teeth and have them replaced with an adult.
The most common type of retained tooth is the second molar. This is because the second molar is still growing in and does not have a permanent tooth behind it. Studies have shown that keeping the second molar until age 20 reduces the risk of dental complications. Retained first and incisors may require more extensive treatment. Other types of retained teeth include diastemas and infraocclusion. A traumatic event can result in the retention of a baby tooth, which can lead to more serious dental complications.
The presence of Supernumerary teeth (ST) is a symptom of an unidentified disorder. This type of tooth can be classified based on its morphology, location, and orientation. Its presence is important for early diagnosis, as it can help physicians determine the right treatment plan for the patient. Supernumeraries may also be present in some cases. However, a true lateral radiograph of the mouth is necessary to accurately determine their location and orientation.
While supernumerary teeth are rarely harmful to overall health, they may pose a number of risks. These may include: tooth crowding and alignment problems, loss of vitality of neighboring teeth, and even periodontal abscesses. In addition, they can interfere with dental procedures such as dental implants and alveolar bone grafting. While there is no single cure for supernumerary teeth, they can be removed when they become impacted.
The prevalence of supernumerary teeth varies, with studies indicating that they affect 0.2 to 3% of people. In addition, they are more common in males than in females and are associated with syndromes. In addition, multiple supernumeraries are associated with other dental problems, including crowding, diastema, and caries. In some instances, supernumerary teeth may even lead to cyst formation.
Sometimes, children with supernumerary teeth are not happy with the appearance of their natural teeth. In such cases, a pediatric dentist may perform surgical extraction of the tooth. The process is generally performed under sedation to ensure the child’s comfort. Dental professionals have training to put children at ease. In many instances, a child may not even remember that they are having a dental procedure. If the condition has recurred, it is best to seek immediate treatment.