Adult teeth not growing in still!

My son is 8 years old.  His top front 2 teeth fell out prematurely at a very early age, just before and after he turned 4.  The teeth are finally seen bulging through the gumline, but will not cut through.  They are tender and somewhat painful.  We were referred to an orthodontist who said it was probably because my son still ***** his thumb at night.  He said if he stopped, they would likely push through.  How long can/should I wait.  His dentist says they will probably never come down without surgery to "pull" them down.

What is your feelings on this?  I cannot find much information on this topic on the internet.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

If the thumb sucking is causing a problem with the eruption of the teeth, then an apparatus to prevent him from sucking his thumb can be used to prevent it.  It glues into the teeth essentially and it has a small plate which blocks him from placing his thumb into his mouth.  Are they confirmed that the teeth are both there?

[geos1200]

Thank you so much for getting back to me.  They are both there.  They were still very far up in the gumline back when he was 4, but by now they are bulging at his lower gum line and clearly visible (in outline under the gums) from the front.  The gums are a bit sore to the touch for him.

My son has done a very good job at stopping his thumb sucking.  I check on him at night and have rarely seen him with it in his mouth.

Oral surgery would be a huge ordeal for him.  I do not know how long to wait before going that direction.  Is it possible to know if they will ever come in on their own?

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Are his other teeth coming out fine?  Seems odd to me that they aren't coming out and that is worrisome cause the other teeth may move into the place and block out or cause crowding of the lower teeth.  If they're bulging at the gumline though, I have to imagine that they're moving out though.  They normally come out at about age 6 so he's a little delayed.

[wildewomen05]

A related discussion, 6 year molars not grown in was started.