What should be done with a loose retained primary tooth?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 17 years old. I have a loose tooth that I believe to be one of my primary teeth. My questions are, does that make it an over-retained primary tooth? If it is an over-retained primary tooth, does that mean that if it falls out, will my permanent tooth will grow in or is it possible that I may have something like ankylosis? I feel no pain in the tooth. Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First of all, based on your age, it must be definitely a retained deciduous or primary tooth as it is mobile, because rarely in this age tooth mobility can occur (unless you have any gum disease). So, the treatment for the retained tooth is removal. Kindly send me a picture of the tooth. If possible a periapical radiograph or OPG (orthopantomogram) to confirm the diagnosis.

Regarding your successor or follow up permanent teeth, by this age you must have 28 teeth, apart from your retained milk tooth. The OPG or periapical radiograph will help to check the position of the permanent tooth if it has not erupted, which will help in diagnosing and planning the treatment as well. Coming on to your ankylosis section, since it is mobile, I guess it is not ankylosed. But, in any case, if it is a deciduous tooth, you have to get it removed. Do not worry. You will be fine. You can follow up with the image and radiograph, if possible.