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Dentistry/Top tooth missing at 9 months

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Expert: - 11/10/2008


Question
QUESTION: My daughter fell at 9 months and lost her top middle tooth.  She is now 20 old.  Is it necessary to remove the other top middle tooth?  All her teeth are out, just her back moalers are still to come.  But it looks like the gap where the missing tooth was is getting smaller.  Please advise.

ANSWER: Usually we don't recommend replacement of a single upper primary incisor since that doesn't often create problems with speech or bite development.  The situation bears watching by a pediatric dentist.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Would you recommend that we remove the other top middle tooth?  This is what the dentist is suggesting that we do.

She is only 20 months old.

Thanks

Answer
I don't know if there was any damage to the other upper central incisor.  If there was damage to that tooth I would recommend attempting to save it for as long as possible.  If it absolutely must be removed then a pedi-partial should be placed when your daughter is old enough to tolerate the procedure and the appliance.  The loss of two upper teeth can interfere with speech development and the pedi-partial can help prevent that problem.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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