Dentist says DD7 missing 4 permanent teeth. Is this a concern?

[peg2001]

DH took DD7 to the dentist for a regular cleaning and check-up and they did a panoramic x-ray to look at all her permanent teeth (only 2 have actually come in yet). To their surprise, they said that she is missing 4 permanent teeth, the pre-molars right behind the canines. They expressed a concern that she hold onto those baby teeth as long as possible. (!?!?!) I wasn't there so I wasn't able to ask my questions so I am hoping someone here can give input/advice.

Is there ANY way we can actually affect how long those baby teeth stay? She has never had a cavity so I don't think the teeth will rot away but I didn't think we could have any affect on when they loosen and fall out.

What concerns should we have? Is it likely that other teeth will come in crooked without the pre-molars being there?

Thanks,
Peggy

 

[Jaimee]

I was also "missing" 4 of my adult teeth. I don't remember my mother or I being told to try to hold on to the baby teeth as long as possible though?? (I'm 28 so this was 20 years ago now). I had a noticeable gap in my teeth (only the top ones, bottom is perfect). I have NEVER had a cavity either, so it was just a case of the teeth not being there. When I got older I got braces to kind of smoosh my front teeth closer together and eliminate the gaps, I do have a bridge to fill in one of the "missing" teeth (second from the front, not sure what that tooth is called..) It looks just fine though. There are spaces where the molars are missing in the back, but since it's not noticeable the orthodontist said theres really no reason to put a bridge back there. Even though I have perfect teeth on the bottom, I still had to go through about 5 years of orthodontic treatment to take care of the spacing on top...I'm really not sure how you'd preserve the baby teeth though. Once the surrounding adult teeth come in they will probably force the baby teeth out. Maybe someone else would know more aobut this???

 

[Melora]

3 of my 5 kids have missing adult teeth. Oldest DS18 and DD14 are missing both front teeth next to the front ones. Before the pointy incisors. With both of them they got braces and pulled everything forward and closed the gap. We opted for this because their incisors were small and not pointy so they do not look funny. My DD16 was only missing one of the same tooth and they put on braces and left a space for it so we can have a permanent implant put in when she hits about 20. Right now she wears a retainer with a fake tooth on it and you cannot tell the difference.

The braces took about 2 1/2 years to fix the issues.

Its genetic obviously. My DS 8 has all of his teeth... Youngest DS3 has a different dad so we will see where this gene came from!

There is no way you can "make baby teeth stay in longer" and its ridiculous for a dentist to say so. Teeth grow in on their own schedule and you cant stop them. They will either move teeth around so everything fits or leave openings for later implants. My girlfriend had 4 adult teeth removed before she got braces, so not having adult teeth is not a big deal.

Any more ??? feel free to ask.

 

[moinab]

I was missing permanent teeth, but it has been so long, I couldn't tell you which ones. Once all my permanent teeth started coming in, my dentist pulled the baby teeth that didn't have adult teeth to push them out. This allowed the remaining teeth to fill in the spaces. I never had braces. There are still gaps in my top teeth, but it doesn't look weird.

I would think with all the advances in cosmetic dentistry, there's no need for any concern. In fact, I think if my mother could have afforded braces for me back in the 1970's, I would have a perfect smile, but it's really not a concern for me.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I am also missing the 4 premolars next to the canines, but I had them extracted to make more room, since it was the only way to straighten my teeth. I currently have braces for the next three years, as it will take awhile to fill in those extraction gaps. For adults with crowding, it is common practice to pull out those premolars. So a smile can look fine without those teeth.
Though I'm sure your DD is looking at ALOT of years of orthodontic work.

<img src="http://home.att.net/~disneysue/hugsmall3.gif">

 

[mrsmom]

My dd 9 was just at the othrodontist yesterday for this. She is missing 4 teeth and they said she will hopefully keep her baby teeth as long as possible , he said his sister had the same problem and kept her baby teeth of the missing adults for 42 yrs, He said he couldn't promise me my dd would keep them that long. She went yesterday and got bands put on her teeth and is getting a wire that holds her teeth in place while the other teeth come in. My dd is due to her having a cleft palete.
Kim

 

[6_Time_Momma]

DH and DD (8) are both missing permanent teeth. DH still has the baby teeth. They are in good condition and strong, so no concerns.

 

[browneyes]

My brothers and I all are missing 2 permanent teeth (whatever those are called that are beside the "big teeth" on top). You wouldn't know it by looking at our teeth though. My teeth are not crooked at all (my dentist says I have great teeth). I still have 1 of my baby teeth (I'm almost 34 yo, btw). I had the dr put a crown on it about 12 years ago. I don't have any problems with my teeth.

My dentist says this is a hereditary thing.

 

[pumba]

my grandson had to have two permanent ones removed so the surgeon could get to the three extra ones that were growing inside his mouth....it was some mess......he was in the first grade ......after that his permanent ones came in sideways and the braces fixed it all up

 

[DawnCt]

My DS (18) is missing 6 permanant teeth, the "good news" is after orthodontia he only needs four replaced. Cosmetically and functionally all can be made whole with dental implants. Start saving your pennies now!

 

[powellrj]

We have just been going through the same thing with my middle ds. He is missing 4 adult teeth. We went to an orthodontist 2 weeks ago and he is going to wait a year (he's 12 now) and make a decision as to what we are going to do then. He said that most baby teeth will last about 40 years before they fall out without adult teeth to push them out. I would ask your dentist who he would suggest and then go to an othodontist and get a second opinion. Good luck.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

WOW!!! So my kids aren't the only ones. My husbands side BTW..

Both girls are missing teeth. 12yodd missing 2 (all of her baby teeth have fallen out)

Younger dd missing 4.

12yodd has the option to either pull all of her teeth forward with braces or create a gap so they can put in a "tooth implants" (which can cost in the neighborhood of up to $5000.00 a piece )when she is about 20yrs old. Insurance does not cover this.
Her dentist said he would do the implants if it was his kid. I don't know. It has been 4 months and we are still thinking about it. I may go and consult with a dentist that does implants. This just not sound good.

Younger dd WILL NEED 4 IMPLANTS! We are just reeling at the thought of this. Thankfully she is only 7, right now. For her their is no getting around it.

I suggest you go and have a few consultations with a couple of orthodontists. Find one that you like.

 

[princessmomma]

This is too funny! I just had my kids to the dentist yesterday for a check-up. My son is 7 and only has his bottom two permanent teeth in. Most of the kids in his class already have their top two adult teeth as well. I was concerned, because the top two baby teeth are in there like concrete, there won't be any permanent teeth for a while.

The dentist said not to worry that if he was 8 or 9 years old, there would be a concern. When did your children lose their front teeth?

BTW, his six-year old molars are coming in nicely.

 

[peg2001]

Thank you for all the information, experience, and advice. I learned a lot! I didn't realize that some people held onto baby teeth well into adulthood. For some reason, I just imagined them eventually getting loose and falling out, even if there were no adult teeth pushing them out.

To answer princessmomma: DD just turned 7 last month and has lost 4 front bottom teeth and the two main front top teeth. The two top front teeth just came out this week.

However, so far, only the 2 front bottom teeth have come in. They were so much larger than her baby teeth that they pushed out 4 of her baby teeth as they grew in. It might end up being a GOOD thing that she is missing some permanent teeth if all of her adult teeth are going to be so much bigger.

Peggy

 

[Kallison]

My son has the same issue -- missing five. They need to keep their baby teeth as long as possible, so make sure she wears mouthguard for sports. He has all type of orthodontic dental issues, with crowding etc. He needs very specialized dental and orthodontic care. If you are careful they may keep baby teeth until mid-20, then they'll have to come up with an alternative such as implants or bridges. With the type of modern dentistry available she will be fine, just expensive. I told son to keep his until he is out on his own and can pay for his own implants! He has already lost one baby tooth he was supposed to keep. We try not to stress out about it, we know he will have a beautiful full smile some day that costs a fortune.

 

[Kallison]

Also want to say that $5K per implant sounds extremely high. I was quoted more along the lines of $1K. Who knows, by the time they are adults there may be a cheaper alternative.

 

[DizzieDizney]

I too am curious as to when is the normal, or should I say average age a child loses his baby teeth? My ds will be 7 June 13 and still has all his baby teeth. Most of his classmates have lost a tooth or two and ds is always coming home asking me when he will lose his. He eats a lot of apples assuming this will help his baby teeth fall out. I'm not in a rush for him to lose his teeth but I thought he would of lost one by now.....

 

[tar heel]

My oldest ds, who will be 20 in February, has a missing tooth and still has the baby tooth. His dentist thinks he may keep it throughout his life.

All three of my boys lost baby teeth late. I've always heard that babies who teethe early lose baby teeth early and vice versa. All my kids teethed late -- the oldest took his first steps before he got his first tooth!

 

[KimRaye]

Wow, and I was worried when the dentist said DD was missing ONE adult tooth! He also said it's genetic and, SOMEONE in the family must have also had missing teeth but, to date, all I have found is my Dad had an extra one! LOL He got DD's tooth before she was even around!

I was told orthodontia would fix her up, around age 12 or so, depending on her tooth growth.

 

[Nightbird]

Hi Peggy:
I have been a Treatment Coordinator for an Orthodontic Practice for 27 years. Rest assured that congenitally missing pre-molars is not an uncommon occurance. Many of our patients have missing teeth and often times we don't even see them for an initial evaluation until their dentist tells them that they are missing some adult teeth.
I would find an orthodontist in your area that you and your child feel comfortable with and have an initial exam soon. Once the ortho has begun, the average treatment time in braces with today's technology is 18-24 months. Your orthodontist will advise you if it will be necessary to close the spaces or open the spaces for replacement teeth in the future. There are many variables that will determine this such as the way the teeth fit together (proper occlusion), the width of the palate and lower jaw, and the shape of the face. Ultimately the function of the bite as well as the desired facial and aesthetic result will be the determining factors when the doctor formulates the treatment plan that best suits your childs needs.
Good luck! Orthodontics is a wonderful specialty and can be a very positive experience. Please let me know if you have any additional questions as things progress. Hope this info helps!

Happy Holidays!

Sherree