🦷 Milk Teeth in Adulthood: Causes and Treatment
Still have one or two of your baby teeth? You are not the only one, and definitely, you are not a medical problem. Though the process is that most people do not lose their milk teeth, and by the age of 12 or 13 years, some adults after 20s, 30s, or even beyond still hold onto a few of the teeth.
The idea of a person acquiring baby teeth in their adulthood may seem quite weird; nevertheless, in reality, it is a much it happens a lot more often than people may think. The topic of this article is to give a detailed analysis of the reasons why people may still have their baby teeth, whether it is dangerous, and the right way of managing it if it starts to play havoc with your smile or bite.
What Are The Possible Reasons for Someone to Still Have Their Baby Teeth in Adulthood?
Firstly, a few conditions may lead to a person having a baby tooth for life. The primary reason for having one or more milk teeth into adulthood stage of life is that the adult teeth that were to replace them do not exist – such teeth are said to be hypodontia if there are a few all the way to all are missing.
Furthermore, the lack of eruption of permanent teeth, impacted permanent teeth, or overly crowded primary teeth can lead to an adult still having the primary tooth.
The first of these reasons is no longer a source of worry; however, definitely, they are still a regular checkup duty for your dentist.
Is It Negative to Still Have Milk Teeth as an Adult?
Not always, because some milk teeth can be all right as they are and function continuously, particularly, they are healthy, in the correct position, and not shaky. In any case, they undoubtedly and truly are subject to gradual weakening and are also more susceptible to:
- Cracking or breaking
- Gum pullback or inflammation
- Crookedness with time
- Inflammation or root resorption
Therefore, it is not harmful to have primary teeth in adulthood, but that means that you should be ready for a little extra dental care to keep everything in a safe state.
How to Identify If Your Tooth Is Still A Milk Tooth?
You can’t figure out if the small, odd tooth in your mouth is from your childhood? If you are in doubt, here are a few things that would suggest the tooth is a milk one:
- It’s smaller than your other teeth.
- It has a flatter shape or a different color.
- Your dentist tells you about it, reacting to an X-ray.
- You have absent adult teeth around it.
A dental X-ray can help you to be more confident about the situation. The who/what/where of your dental status will undoubtedly follow.
What Are the Treatment Options for Adults with Milk Teeth?
Your dentist might suggest leaving it if your adult baby tooth is strong and does not cause any severe problems; however, it is important to monitor it closely. On the other hand, if it’s moving, damaged, or does not fit your bite correctly, there are a few solutions.
Dental Implants
In this case, if the adult tooth is not there, a dental implant can replace the baby tooth with a long-lasting, natural-looking alternative. This is a solution leading to the best aesthetic and functional outcomes over a long period.
Orthodontic Treatment
Depending on your specific situation, the removal of braces or aligners may be the best technique to make teeth near the implanted tooth move and give space to it, or it might be done in order to close the gap completely.
Retainers
Reshaping the teeth as a substitute measure of aligners or braces is only possible if the adjacent teeth need to be moved. However, this method might not be the most popular one, as it typically deals with simple cases, still suitable for any age.
If the baby tooth is too small or odd in shape, a cosmetic crown or veneer can change its appearance and make it stronger.
4. Extraction and Bridgework
A tooth can be removed in some cases, and the gap can be filled with a dental bridge – this is mostly done if the patient is not a suitable candidate for implants.
When to see a dentist about milk teeth
A dentist should be visited definitely if the following signs are present:
- You think you still have a milk tooth
- You have started experiencing a loose or painful tooth
- You have a problem with chewing, speaking, or just the simple act of smiling
- You are seeing that your bite is shifting or crowding
Regular dental exams and X-rays will help your dentist track changes and decide the right time for any necessary treatment.
Lema Dental Clinic’s Adult Baby Teeth Treatment
In Lema Dental Clinic in Istanbul, we have been responsible for the oral health of adults (amongst other things) with unusual dental problems. Our doctors, along with state-of-the-art technology and tailored dental implants, give you a brilliant and healthy smile. Be it cosmetics for your smile or even a full smile makeover, you are sure to find our knowledgeable team, technology of which is well ahead, and even individualized treatment plans very helpful in getting you that perfect smile that you have always wanted.
Most importantly, we do not just heal teeth; we heal humans. We fully realize that each patient’s dental story is unique.
FAQ: Milk Teeth in Adulthood
Without doubt, in a few cases, specifically when an adult tooth didn’t develop and the baby tooth remains without decay.
It’s not unusual, but not common either, although it occurs more frequently than one usually hears, namely with hypodontia.
Sometimes. They are good and serve a purpose, that is, they can be under observation.
Exactly. Dental implants are the top preferred solution and at the same time, look the most natural.
By the means of an X-ray image, a dentist can easily detect a baby tooth; however, when a tooth is smaller, has a different shape or color, that might hint at its nature, too.
