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Dentistry/Permanent tooth not erupting after 6 months

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Expert: - 12/26/2009


Question
My 8 year old lost one of her top front teeth around July 4, 2009. Now almost 6 months later, her permanent tooth still has not emerged and I'm not even sure I can feel it in her gums. The other permanent front tooth emerged fully a while ago, but still no sign of the "missing tooth". My daughter does have regular dental x-rays and nothing has ever been said to me about missing adult teeth. She's due another cleaning soon {her baby tooth in that spot was loose and barely hanging at the time of her last cleaning}, so I'll ask my dentist about it, but I would love to know if this is considered normal and what could be going on with that procrastinating tooth? Thank you so much.

Answer
Teeth often become delayed in emerging through the gums, however by six months I would be concerned enough to take another x-ray to see if there is some interference with the tooth.  There are several possibilities.  Sometimes the angulation or position of the permanent tooth will delay or prevent it from emerging.  In some cases an extra tooth develops and that can block the permanent incisors.  Most times, however, it just takes a lot longer for the tooth to come through.

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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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