Infants are born with a set of 20 baby teeth that typically erupt by 6 months of age. These primary teeth are shed throughout childhood to make room for permanent molars, canines, and incisors. However, kids may occasionally retain one or more baby teeth, which can cause problems that need the help of a pediatric dentist. Here's what you should know about this condition and how it's typically addressed.

What Causes Baby Teeth Retention?

One of the most common reasons a child might not lose their baby teeth is when one or more permanent teeth are absent. This is a congenital condition known as tooth agenesis, which is typically asymptomatic. However, without permanent teeth to grow in and push out primary teeth, your child may retain the latter into adulthood. 

Dental ankylosis is another cause of retention. This rare disorder causes the teeth to fuse to the bone, preventing permanent molars, incisors, and canines from erupting. Common symptoms include decreased tooth count, abnormal enamel, and an enlarged lower jaw. 

Tooth impaction, which occurs when permanent teeth don't have room to erupt or grow in the wrong direction, can cause children to retain their primary teeth. Your young one may experience symptoms like pain in the gums and jaw, difficulty chewing foods, and crowding of the teeth. 

What Are the Possible Complications?

Retention can lead to infraocclusion, in which baby teeth remain in the same position while the permanent teeth surrounding them erupt. Occlusal trauma may also occur, which prevents the upper and lower sets from properly lining up and making contact with one another. 

Your child might also experience diastema, or gaps and spaces between the teeth. In addition to causing cosmetic issues, these complications may lead to structural problems that prevent your child from chewing or speaking normally. 

How Is Over-retention Treated?

If your young one doesn't lose their baby teeth, a pediatric dentist can provide a dental exam and take X-rays to assess the condition of the mouth. In some cases, the retention of primary teeth causes no problems, and these molars, incisors, and canines may safely remain in your child's mouth. 

However, in the case of ankylosis or impaction, a children's dentist might recommend extracting the affected teeth to prevent crowding, gaps, and improper occlusion. If your child has tooth agenesis, they might need dental implants once they reach young adulthood. These are titanium rods topped with crowns that a dentist can surgically insert into the mouth to enhance the appearance and function of your child's smile. 

Monitor the arrival of your child's adult teeth with help from Kid Smiles. This pediatric dentist offers dental exams, routine cleanings, and emergency tooth extractions to young clients throughout High Point, NC, and the surrounding communities. They accept most insurances and offer flexible scheduling, including Saturday office hours. Call (336) 885-5437 to book an appointment with this children's dentist, and visit the website to learn more about how they'll support your child's dental health.