Will a new tooth erupt if a retained milk tooth is removed?

Question

Hello doctor,

I recently went for a cleanup at a dentist and was informed that I have milk teeth. No permanent teeth have grown to replace them. One of the teeth has become loose, and I do not know whether I should remove it or not. It is causing so much pain that I cannot eat at times. I am dying to remove it due to the pain, but I do not want to get implants.

Should I remove it?
Will a permanent tooth grow in its place?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your situation, but I need a little more clarification. The main thing is your age, so anyway, by six years of age, your milk tooth will start to shed and be replaced by a permanent tooth. If your milk tooth is not removed, that means that the space is still occupied, and there is no space for your permanent tooth to come out. This will cause either the permanent tooth to come in different positions or have a delayed eruption.

So in your case, the first thing we need to find is whether there is a permanent tooth in your bone or not. So a dental X-ray or a full mouth OPG (orthopantomogram) is needed. Please follow up with a photograph and the X-ray, and please mention your age. One more important thing is you cannot go ahead anymore with your milk tooth, and you need to remove it. So getting treatment is a must.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again in case of further queries.

Thank you.