When Is It Necessary To Extract Baby Teeth?

Book an Appointment Call Now

October 2, 2017

Baby teeth, also called primary or milk teeth, serve an important function in the development of permanent tooth placement. If baby teeth are pulled too soon or stay in place for too long, it can adversely affect the eruption pattern and alignment of the permanent teeth. It is important to speak to an orthodontist before making any decisions about baby tooth extractions.

Primary Tooth Loss Schedule

Baby teeth are typically lost at certain ages. These ages may vary slightly from child to child, but should follow a certain pattern that corresponds to the pattern of permanent tooth eruption. If a child begins to lose teeth in a pattern that is outside of the normal eruption schedule, it may cause crowding in the mouth or misalignments. If a child goes several years over the normal tooth loss schedule, it may delay permanent tooth eruption or cause existing permanent teeth to shift into unnatural placements. Baby teeth are generally lost around the following ages:

  • Between ages six and eight the lower and upper central primary incisors are lost
  • After central primary incisors, the lower and upper lateral incisors are lost
  • Between ages eight and ten there is a one to two year pause
  • Between ages ten and thirteen the lower canines and first molars are lost
  • Following the first molar loss, the upper canines are lost, then upper and lower molars

Extraction Considerations

If a baby tooth is damaged or begins to decay, it may be necessary to extract the tooth in order to save gum health and eliminate pain. However, extracting a baby tooth before it is time for the permanent tooth to erupt can allow surrounding teeth to shift to fill the gap. If the tooth can be saved, orthodontists often recommend using other methods so that the gap is naturally filled until the permanent tooth comes in. If it becomes necessary to extract a primary tooth, the orthodontist may recommend filling the space with a prosthetic tooth until the permanent tooth comes in. It may also be necessary to fill a space with a prosthetic tooth if more than three months pass between the loss of a baby tooth and the eruption of a permanent tooth.

Primary Tooth Extraction Benefits

If primary teeth are pulled at an appropriate time, it can sometimes prevent later complications. Pulling primary teeth will not permanently solve crowding issues, but it can help orthodontists guide permanent tooth development patterns so that straightening procedures and surgeries that would have been necessary later can be avoided. However, every child develops differently. Parents and orthodontists should discuss all possible remedies for childhood tooth complications before making the decision to extract baby teeth.

Back to Press Center

Testimonials

I have been with the dentist for a few years now and love the care I receive. You are taken care of from the front desk person, through your visit!... Read more

Juan Rodriguez (Greenacres, FL)

Dr. Gorbatov Dmitry - Doctor with a capital letter. Many thanks to the doctor and his team. The clinic employs real experts in their field.It's amazing, but after visiting Dr.... Read more

Yulia Dobrynina

The atmosphere in this office is beyond believe, I instantly felt comfortable with Dr Dimitiri and his assistant Yuri. They work great together. I had 6 veneers put in and... Read more

Ruslan Gahramanov (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

I had a great experience with Dr. Dmitry Gorbatov. He was able to save my tooth from getting a root canal. All the staff was really nice, and attentive. I... Read more

Arthur R. (North Miami Beach, FL)

No teeth fell out mid cleaning. 10/10

Erik Purdy (West Palm Beach, FL)

God bless this dentistry! Nice team, professional doctors. Gorbatov has golden hands

Nanna Stormin

I've been going here for a few years now. I'm a periomaintenance case, so I'm in four times a year. The hygienists do a great job, provide me with excellent... Read more

Devin Scheller

I want to say that this office and the staff are by far the best professionals in dentistry in Hollywood!! they become family!! I want to thank you all for... Read more

norma masoud

Every time I visit its always a pleasant experience, the employees are welcoming and the service is outstanding. Its the only dentist i recommend to my friends and family

Alejandro Figueredo

I have been Dr. Gorbatov's patient for over 8 years and have always received excellent service. The facility and staff are wonderful. I would highly recommend A Center for Dental... Read more

Teresita Camacho (Lake Worth, FL)

Book an Appointment
Skip to content

Appointment







Fill out email and/or message