HomeAnswersDentistryretained milk teethWill extraction of retained primary tooth give way for the permanent tooth to grow in position?

I am 17 years old and my retained primary tooth is loose. What to do?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 30, 2019
Reviewed AtNovember 30, 2019

Patient's Query

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.

Answered by Dr. Divya Banu M

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.

Investigations to be done

OPG, IOPA (intraoral periapical radiograph).

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Divya Banu M
Dr. Divya Banu M

Dentistry

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