A congenitally missing tooth is when the tooth never develops in the mouth. This condition is known as hypodontia, which can affect primary or permanent dentition. Hypodontia is rare in the primary dentition but can affect the upper lateral incisors. In most cases, when a lateral incisor in baby teeth is missing, the permanent lateral incisor is also found to be missing.
What is Hypodontia?
Hypodontia is a congenital condition that refers to the developmental failure/absence of six or fewer teeth. This means that the person has fewer teeth than normal.
Hypodontia affects 1.6 to 6.9% of the population. However, the incidence of hypodontia is rare in primary dentition. The developmental abnormality or failure of teeth development can be divided into:
- Hypodontia: the absence of 1-6 teeth.
- Oligodontia: the absence of more than 6 teeth.
- Anodontia: the complete absence of teeth.
Missing Baby Teeth Lateral Incisor
The lateral baby teeth (deciduous teeth or milk teeth) usually erupt at 9-13 months of age. The parents should check if it is missing by this time. It is rare but possible to have a congenitally missing baby teeth lateral incisor.
If your child’s primary lateral tooth didn’t erupt by the age of 13 months, visit your child’s pediatric dentist to have it examined. They will be able to determine if the tooth is truly missing or if the missing tooth is due to a delay in tooth eruption. In some cases, a panoramic X-ray may be needed to confirm the absence of the tooth.
If a baby tooth lateral incisor is missing, it is important to understand that this can have implications for the permanent teeth as well. In most cases, when the primary lateral incisor is missing, the permanent lateral incisor is also absent.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should visit the pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth eruption. This is important to monitor the baby teeth development and to address any potential oral issues early on.
What Causes Missing Baby Teeth Lateral Incisor?
The lateral tooth in primary dentition usually erupts between 6 and 13 months of age. If your child has a missing tooth, visit your child’s pediatric dentist. They can determine whether the missing tooth is due to delayed tooth eruption or failed tooth development.
The exact cause of absent baby teeth is still unclear. However, several studies suggest that it occurs due to genetic factors, environmental factors, or syndromes.
- Genetic factors: Hypodontia can often run in families. A thorough examination of family history is crucial when assessing the likelihood of hypodontia occurrence. If a parent or close relative has experienced missing teeth, there is a higher chance that their child may also have a congenital absence of tooth or teeth.
- Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation, medication, or trauma during pregnancy, can potentially affect the development of the primary dentition. These factors can disrupt the normal growth and formation of the teeth, leading to missing teeth.
- Syndromes and genetic conditions: In some cases, a missing lateral incisor in baby teeth can be associated with certain syndromes or genetic conditions. Conditions like ectodermal dysplasia, cleft lip and palate, or Down syndrome may have an impact on dental development and result in the absence of primary and permanent teeth.
If your child has a missing primary tooth, it is important to consult with a pediatric dentist. They can evaluate the situation and determine the best treatment option.
How is Hypodontia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing hypodontia, or the absence of baby teeth, can be done through a thorough dental examination by a pediatric dentist or orthodontist. They will carefully examine the child’s mouth and may request dental X-rays, such as a panoramic X-ray, to confirm the absence of the tooth.
During the examination, the dentist will also take into consideration your child’s medical history and family history of missing teeth. Genetic factors play a significant role in the occurrence of hypodontia, so it is important to gather information about the dental history of close relatives.
If hypodontia is diagnosed, the dentist will discuss the treatment options and potential implications for the child’s oral health.
Treatment Options for Missing Baby Teeth Lateral Incisor
The missing baby teeth lateral incisors don’t require treatment. If the existing teeth are in good condition and there are no other oral issues, such as crowding in the jaw or soft tissue problems, then this missing tooth may have no effect on your child’s oral health.
The pediatric dentist may recommend monitoring the dental development of primary dentition and permanent teeth over time to see if any complications arise.
Treatment for Adults
In most cases, when lateral incisors are missing in the primary dentition, the corresponding lateral tooth in the permanent dentition will also be absent. The absence of these teeth can cause aesthetic challenges, as the gaps in the smile can be highly visible and may lead to self-consciousness.
Treatment options for a missing lateral incisor in permanent dentition may vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. Here are some common treatment options for a missing lateral tooth in permanent dentition:
- Orthodontic treatment (braces treatment and clear aligners)
- Dental implants
- Dental bridges (traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges)
- Removable partial dentures
Orthodontic treatment is often recommended for individuals with a missing lateral incisor in permanent dentition. Braces treatment focuses on correcting crooked teeth, teeth alignment, and spacing of the teeth to improve the overall appearance and function of the smile.
The orthodontist may use braces or clear aligners to close the space created by a missing tooth or widen the space for dental implant or bridge placement
Dental implants are the most aesthetic and durable option for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically inserted into the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, and dentures. Once the implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone (osseointegration), a dental crown is cemented or screwed to the implant.
However, dental implants may not be suitable for everyone. The placement of dental implants requires sufficient bone density. If there is not enough bone, additional procedures, such as bone grafting for dental implants.
Dental bridges are another option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. They consist of an artificial tooth (pontic) held in place by two crowns cemented onto the adjacent teeth (abutment teeth). Dental bridges can be a good solution when the adjacent teeth are healthy enough to support the bridge.
However, traditional bridges require the preparation of adjacent healthy teeth for support. This can weaken these healthy teeth and increase the risk of future dental issues.
In the cases of missing lateral incisors, your dentist may recommend cantilever or Maryland bridges (with metal wings), more conservative options compared to traditional bridges. Learn more about different bridge types in dentistry.
Removable partial dentures are an affordable and conservative option for replacing missing teeth. A partial denture for 1 tooth consists of an artificial tooth attached to an acrylic base that fits over the gums. These dentures can be easily taken out for cleaning.
However, partial dentures, also known as removable dental bridges, may slip and move around when eating or speaking, which can be uncomfortable and cause embarrassment. They also require regular removal for cleaning and maintenance.
Consult your dentist to discuss the best treatment options for missing lateral incisors. They will evaluate your specific situation, taking into account factors such as your oral health, bone density, budget, and personal preferences.
Conclusion
If your child has a missing primary tooth (milk tooth), consult your child’s pediatric dentist. They can determine whether the missing tooth is due to delayed tooth eruption or the tooth failed to develop. The pediatric dentist may ask for a panoramic X-ray, to confirm the absence of the tooth and provide appropriate treatment.
A missing baby teeth lateral incisor may occur due to various factors, such as genetic predisposition, environmental influences, or genetic conditions and syndromes.
Missing lateral incisors in primary dentition don’t require treatment. However, when a lateral incisor in baby teeth is missing, the corresponding permanent lateral incisor may also be missing. This can cause an aesthetic problem for adults. In such cases, several treatment options are available to restore the appearance and function of the missing teeth, including orthodontic treatment, dental implants, and bridges.
One of the common treatment options for missing baby teeth lateral incisors is orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics can help create space for the permanent teeth to erupt in the correct position. This may involve the use of braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliances to guide the teeth into their proper places.
It’s important to note that the specific treatment option will depend on various factors, such as oral health, bone density, budget, and personal preferences.
