What is an over retained tooth?
December 12th, 2022
An over retained tooth is a tooth that has not been lost or exfoliated (shed) from the mouth as it normally would during the course of development.
This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as an underlying developmental anomaly or an injury that prevented the tooth from being lost. Over retained teeth can cause problems with the alignment of the teeth and the bite, and they may need to be removed in order to prevent these issues.
It is important to consult a dentist or oral surgeon if you suspect that you have an over retained tooth.
Detailed causes of a retained tooth:
A retained tooth, also known as an impacted tooth, is a tooth that has not erupted into the mouth or has only partially erupted. This can be due to a variety of factors, including:
Misalignment of the tooth: If a tooth is not properly aligned with the others, it may be unable to emerge from the gums.
Overcrowding: If there is not enough room in the mouth for all of the teeth, some may become retained.
Soft tissue impaction: Soft tissue, such as gums or cheek tissue, may cover the tooth and prevent it from emerging.
Hard tissue impaction: The tooth may be blocked by bone or other hard tissue, preventing it from erupting into the mouth.
Cysts or tumors: A cyst or tumor in the mouth can cause a retained tooth.
Abnormal tooth development: Sometimes, a tooth may not develop properly and become retained as a result.
If you think your child may have a retained tooth, it's important to see a dentist or oral surgeon for a proper evaluation and treatment.
What should parents do if a child has retained teeth?
If a child has retained teeth, the most important thing for parents to do is to seek treatment from a dentist or oral surgeon. Retained teeth can cause problems with the alignment of the other teeth and may lead to future dental issues if left untreated.
A dentist or oral surgeon will be able to assess the situation and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include removing the retained tooth or surgically exposing it so that it can emerge properly.
It's important to follow the recommendations of the dental professional in order to ensure that the child's teeth develop properly and to prevent any future dental problems.
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