Retained Baby Teeth

Your child is probably excited to get visits from the Tooth Fairy and their grown-up teeth. But what happens when the baby teeth stay put? As dentists who accept patients of all ages, we at All Coast Dental are familiar with oral issues that tend to emerge in childhood. Retaining baby teeth is a serious problem, but one we are well-suited to treat.

Baby teeth are scientifically known as “deciduous teeth.” They usually fall out because the emergence of the adult tooth causes the baby tooth’s root to dissolve. This may not happen when the adult tooth is coming in at the wrong angle or never develops. If the adult tooth and its deciduous equivalent are both present, the teeth are likely to be jumbled and difficult to clean. The presence of a baby tooth without its adult version can also cause bite problems.

Extracting baby teeth is usually a simple matter. Once they’re out, the patient may be referred for orthodontic therapy to correct bite issues. If the adult tooth never developed, an orthodontist might space the patient’s teeth apart to make room for an implant or partial denture.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.