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.
Testimonials
What a great experience at the dentist!! I wish I had found these guys years ago, maybe I wouldn't be so afraid of the dentist. Thought I needed a root...
Craig Balsam (Wellington, FL)
Doctor always helps me with everything and the atmosphere is always amazing and welcoming. I would recommend this office to everybody!
Edgar Gorodetsky
My experience was very smooth. When I called for appt, the next available time was in two days, I didn’t expect it will be that soon.Everybody in the office is...
Daria Tis
My wife went to doctor Gorbatov in case of emergency and pain. Hi offer fast help and resonable price for a future job such a removing tooth and built implant....
lev figman
My experience was great.Doctor is very professional.I really recommend.The best place to go for your dental.
Olga Meverden (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)
Very helpful and amazing response time! Found them on Instagram and I'm happy I did!
Cece Esk (Hollywood, FL)
I went to the doctor’s office today and the service was great, fast , proficient and very helpful for me. People was very friendly and nice
Natalia Smirnova
Dr. Gorbatov placed an implant for me, I am extremely happy with the result, I had absolutely no pain during the procedure after few month doctor put a crown, looks...
Sergey Kasatkin (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)
Thanks to Dr. Gorbatov and his assistant Lidi for my dazzling Hollywood smile and caring atmosphere during procedures. Highly recommend this clinic 😁🎉