Parents concerned about their child’s dental development are encouraged to schedule their child with a dentist in Santa Clarita such as Dr. Sarkis Aznavour. Dr. Aznavour of Healthy Smiles Dental is committed to helping both children and adults achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Over-retained primary teeth in children is a common concern that our team can address.
What is an over-retained primary tooth? An over-retained primary tooth is a child’s tooth that does not allow the permanent tooth below to come through the gum line. This delay may even be caused if a primary tooth has been extracted. Assessing children with over-retained primary teeth is important to determine the best course of treatment. Sometimes, an x-ray can tell the story. An x-ray may show that the primary tooth is fused to the bone, a condition also known as ankylosis. It may cause the primary tooth to look submerged in the gum issue. Reasons why a tooth may be over-retained include:
- Absence of a permanent tooth
- Obstructions of other teeth
- Misalignment of the permanent tooth underneath the gum line
- Trauma or injury to the area
- Late eruption of the permanent tooth
Leaving an over-retained primary tooth alone is not recommended because it can result in a variety of issues including tipping of the permanent tooth, cavities, and periodontal issues. This is why treatment is recommended by our dentist in Santa Clarita.
Treatment for an over-retained primary tooth varies depending on the severity of the condition and the reason why the condition is occurring. An evaluation can be done by a dentist and even an orthodontist to help make a determination as to how to proceed. Sometimes the tooth can be retained and reshaped, while other times it may require extraction and orthodontic work to fix. Deciding which treatment is best is done with a recommendation from a dental professional.
Parents who are worried about over-retained primary teeth in their children are welcome to take the time to speak with the team of professionals available at Healthy Smiles Dental. Dr. Sarkis Aznavour and his dedicated staff work closely with patients in the Santa Clarita, California area to discuss this and many other dental concerns that may arise throughout childhood. His practice is conveniently located a 24242 Lyons Avenue Santa Clarita, CA and can be reached by phone at(661) 260-1220.
(661) 260-1220