19 years old with a canine baby tooth (Photo)

Question

I'm 19 and I still have a canine baby tooth which has become loose and protruded. I went for an x-ray and it showed that the root is present but it hasn't found room to descend so it has grown obliquely. I'm worried that if I remove it, the permanent canine won't grow. I'm also worried about having a gap that would completely ruin my smile. Should I simply get it removed and then go for braces to close the gap, or is there a solution for that root to grow normally?

Graham T. Egger, DDS · Answer

If the adult canine tooth is present but being kept from erupting by the baby tooth. I would recommend that you see if an orthodontist and an oral surgeon can work together to remove the baby canine and uncover the adult canine and see if it can be brought down into normal function. The canine tooth is a very strong and important tooth for supporting your smile and your bite. If at all possible try and have the permanent canine brought into alignment with the rest of your teeth. If not possible then implant replacement of the canine would be my recommendation.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

At your age the permanent tooth certainly won't come down by itself.  Most of the eruption force comes from the growth of the root, thus you probably now have a fully formed root that won't push the tooth down as it would normally do.Seek the opinion of an orthodontist.  The tooth may be able to be brought down orthodontically (with braces).  However, if it cannot, then you may eventually need an implant or bridge.The earlier you have orthodontics the more successful the orthodontic treatment may be, so get in to see your orthodontist now.  Don't wait several years!

19 years old with a canine baby tooth (Photo)

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19 years old with a canine baby tooth (Photo)

Answers (2)

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