Over-retained primary teeth (baby teeth) is a dental condition in which one or more of a child’s primary teeth do not come out at the expected time to allow permanent tooth eruption.
Normally, the primary teeth exfoliate naturally on a fairly predictable timeline (around age of 6years), and the permanent teeth erupt within a few months, subsequent to each primary tooth loss.
When this process does not occur within a year of expectation, a comprehensive dental exam, along with dental x-rays, is needed to evaluate the tooth or teeth to determine the cause of over-retention.
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition, as well as the structure and appearance of the affected tooth. Treatment options available are:
§ Extraction: If crowding or other orthodontic needs are present, extraction and space closure with dental braces are often part of an overall orthodontic plan.
§ Retain the tooth: If no permanent tooth exists, a functional and aesthetically acceptable primary tooth can be retained for years into adulthood.
§ Retain and modify the tooth: If the crown and root of the retained primary tooth are in satisfactory condition; the tooth can be reshaped with a tooth-colored filling material to enhance its appearance.
It is important to always have your child’s baby teeth checked by the Dentist so that dental issues such as over-retained baby teeth can be recognized as soon as possible. An early treatment will definitely improve the result.
