RETAINED BABY TEETH IN ADULTS

A primary (baby) tooth that is still in position when a permanent tooth tries to come into the same space is known as an “over-retained” tooth, and usually requires removal of the primary tooth.

retained baby teeth Cleveland TN

SUPERNUMERARY TEETH

Supernumerary teeth are extra teeth or growths that block the eruption of a permanent tooth, commonly found on a radiograph, or intraorally, following spontaneous eruption. The most common supernumerary tooth appears typically between the maxillary central incisors, called mesiodens. In most cases, these teeth will require extraction. However, supernumerary treatment depends on the type, positioning, and effect on adjacent teeth, as recommended by your oral surgeon or dentist.

FAILURE OF ERUPTION

The presence of supernumerary teeth is the most common cause for the failure of eruption of adjacent teeth. It may also cause retention of the primary central incisor. This is usually noticed with the eruption of the maxillary lateral incisors, combined with the failure of eruption of one or both central incisors.

SUPERNUMERARY TEETH DISPLACEMENT

The presence of a supernumerary tooth may cause displacement of a permanent tooth. This may vary from some movement to complete displacement, a common result associated with late eruption.

CROWDED TEETH

Erupted supernumerary teeth often results in crowded teeth. For example, a supplemental incisor may cause crowding in the upper anterior region of the dental arch. In this case, extraction may be required of the supernumerary tooth.

SUPERNUMERARY TEETH REMOVAL

Prior to removing over-retained baby teeth or supernumerary teeth, Ocoee Oral Surgeons will provide a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth, or a general anesthetic may be provided. The tissue connecting the tooth to the bone will be removed and then the tooth will be extracted. Often the tooth will be cut into smaller pieces to make it easier to extract.

For more information, questions, or comments on over-retained baby teeth or supernumerary teeth, contact our Cleveland TN oral surgery office today at 423.479.1444.