Table of contents:
- When should baby teeth fall out?
- Why do baby teeth grow to adulthood?
- Implants, a solution to replace baby teeth that do not fall out
In childhood, the growth of milk teeth (baby teeth) indicates that the child is ready to eat solid food. Usually these baby teeth last a maximum of until the child is 12 years old. However, it turns out that there are some adults whose milk teeth persist and do not fall out. So, why can't baby teeth fall out until adulthood?
When should baby teeth fall out?
Baby teeth begin to grow and become visible at 6 to 12 months of age. Most children will have 20 baby teeth. This amount will be reached when the child is 3 years old. Over time, baby teeth will fall out one by one and be replaced by 32 permanent teeth.
Usually, baby teeth begin to fall out and are replaced with permanent teeth when a child turns six years of age. At the same time, permanent teeth are ready to replace them.
The first baby teeth to fall out are usually the two lower front teeth and the two upper front teeth. This will be followed by the side incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars. Well, these baby teeth will usually stay in place until pushed by the permanent teeth that will grow.
Why do baby teeth grow to adulthood?
Some children have delayed permanent dentition. As a result, baby teeth that should have fallen out and were immediately replaced by permanent teeth behind them did not experience this. This condition is also called over-retained. This causes the baby teeth to attach to the jawbone (ankylosis).
When baby teeth don't fall out until adulthood, this keeps the permanent teeth from growing and actually pushes the roots of the baby teeth. Quoted from the Medical Daily, there are about 2.5 to 6.9 percent of cases that occur in the world. Usually, this condition occurs more in women than men.
In addition, other things that cause baby teeth not to fall out until adulthood are trauma, infection, the presence of obstructions at the tooth growth site or misalignment of the permanent teeth underneath. These various things make permanent teeth eventually not develop and the roots of the baby teeth remain, not lost or replaced.
However, you don't need to worry as long as you regularly check with your dentist. The doctor will provide recommendations for the right treatment and action to solve your problem.
Implants, a solution to replace baby teeth that do not fall out
If you are among those who have milk teeth into adulthood, you need to replace them with dental implants. The reason is, baby teeth that remain until adulthood will come off at the age of around 20-45 years. As a result, there is a tooth cavity in that section. This is because milk teeth generally cannot function optimally because of their size which tends to be smaller than permanent teeth.
The implant procedure involves replacing the root of the tooth with a metal screw-like shape. Later, the doctor will make artificial teeth that are similar to natural teeth in appearance and function. That way, your teeth can function properly like permanent teeth in general.
Before doing this procedure, it's a good idea to consult an expert first. Ask your dentist what the most appropriate course of action is to solve this problem.
