Baby tooth #21

[luvmyfam77]

When my daughter was about 5 or 6 it was noticed that one of her baby teeth sat a lot lower than all her other teeth.  After xraying further to make sure there was even an adult tooth under it the dentist came to the conculusion that it was lacking a ligament(I think this is what he said, it's been 5 years!).  He gave it a name and basically said that the adult tooth under it won't be able to push it out and it will have to be pulled out.  He said probably around age 10-11 but not until the tooth on the other side falls out so could be later.  Well she is almost 11 now and as I was helping her floss I notice that particular tooth seems to have a dark spot on the side of it (towards the cheek side) and I can stick my fingernail literally under it.  She said it doesn't hurt at all and just lost the same tooth on the other side about a month ago.  Of course our dentist is closed for a week because of the holidays and I know I could see his back up person but I think it would be ok to wait since she said it doesn't hurt at all.  The dark spot just kind of concerned me I guess.  She doesn't have any problems with her teeth (no cavaties) but will need an expander here in the next year for the top.  Does it sound like it's time for this tooth to be pulled out?  Will she have a lot of pain until the adult tooth moves up?  Thanks

[luvmyfam77]

The dentist took her tooth out today.  The colored spots I was seeing on her tooth was actually from the gums actually under her tooth.  He said her baby tooth had become very transparent so that is why we were seeing those pinkish/reddish colors on her tooth.  So now we just wait for her adult tooth to finish coming in.  =)

[Michael H Kirsch, DDS]

This forum is for general medical advice, however I will do my best to respond to your situation.

Retained baby teeth may often need to be extracted in order to facilitate the eruption of the permanent tooth.  The ultimate decision and timing if often left to the orthodontist who is the expert on these matters.

The dark spot may represent a cavity in the tooth.  If your daughter is not experiencing any pain or swelling, you can probably wait to see the dentist as soon as they re-open the office.

Information contained within this reply is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a medical diagnosis or treatment recommendation.  This is not a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your own doctor for medical condition. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.