At Leominster Family Dentists, we understand that, as a parent, seeing your child’s adult teeth growing in behind their baby teeth can be a bit alarming. Rest assured, this is a common occurrence and typically nothing to worry about. Our team in Leominster, MA, is here to provide you with the information you need to understand this phase of your child’s dental development.

Why Do Teeth Grow Behind Milk Teeth?

Teeth growing behind milk teeth, often referred to as “shark teeth,” occur when the permanent teeth start to erupt before the primary teeth have fallen out. This can happen for a few reasons:

1. Timing Mismatch: Sometimes, the timing of the permanent teeth coming in and the baby teeth falling out doesn’t align perfectly. This is most common around the ages of 5 to 7.
2. Lack of Root Resorption: Baby teeth roots typically dissolve (resorb) to allow for easy removal. If resorption doesn’t happen quickly enough, the permanent teeth can start to push through behind the baby teeth.
3. Crowding or Lack of Space: In some cases, there might not be enough space for the permanent teeth to emerge in the correct position, causing them to grow behind the baby teeth.

What Should You Do if You Notice This?

Seeing “shark teeth” can be concerning, but here’s what you can do:

1. Monitor the Situation: In many cases, the baby teeth will eventually become loose and fall out on their own. This process can take a few weeks to a couple of months.
2. Encourage Natural Loosening: Encourage your child to wiggle the baby teeth gently to help them along. Eating crunchy foods like apples can also aid in this process.
3. Consult with Your Pediatric Dentist: If the baby teeth do not become loose or fall out within a few months, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist. We can assess the situation and determine if any intervention is needed.

Possible Interventions

While most cases resolve naturally, there are instances where professional intervention is required:

1. Extraction of Baby Teeth: If the baby teeth are particularly stubborn, our dentist may recommend a simple extraction to make room for the permanent teeth.
2. Space Maintainers: In some cases, especially if multiple baby teeth are involved, space maintainers might be needed to ensure the permanent teeth have enough room to come in correctly.
3. Orthodontic Evaluation: Early orthodontic evaluation can help identify potential crowding or alignment issues and provide a plan to address them as your child grows.

Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are crucial during your child’s development. Our team at Leominster Family Dentists is committed to monitoring your child’s oral health and development, ensuring any issues like “shark teeth” are addressed promptly and effectively.

Contact Us

Teeth growing behind milk teeth can be a normal part of childhood development, but it’s always best to keep an eye on the situation and consult with our pediatric dentistry team if you have concerns. At Leominster Family Dentists, we are here to support you and your child through every stage of their dental journey. Schedule an appointment with us today to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright!

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are an effective and versatile treatment option used to address a variety of dental issues. They are used to cap a tooth with a large filling or that has had root canal therapy, or for cosmetic purposes. They can also be used to attach to dental implants to replace missing teeth, as the implants provide extra support in the jawbone. Dental crowns also provide additional support for dental bridges, and when cared for properly, can be just as healthy and strong as natural teeth. While there are many benefits to getting a dental crown, it is important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros of Dental Crowns

1. Durability: Dental crowns are extremely durable and are designed to last for many years. They are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloys, so they can be customized to match the color and shape of your existing teeth.
2. Improved Appearance: Dental crowns can be used to improve the appearance of your smile. Crowns can be used to cover up discolored or misshapen teeth and can even be used to make your teeth appear straighter or more uniform in shape.
3. Increased Strength: Dental crowns can be used to reinforce a tooth that has been weakened due to decay or trauma. The crowns act as an extra barrier to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.

Cons of Dental Crowns

1. Cost: Dental crowns can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Depending on the type of crown you choose, the cost can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
2. Time: Getting a dental crown can be a lengthy process. It usually requires two or more visits to the dentist and can take up to two hours per visit. However, some dental offices are able to provide same-day crowns.
3. Sensitivity: After getting a dental crown, some people may experience sensitivity in the area where the crown was placed. This sensitivity can last for a few days or even weeks and can be uncomfortable.

Dental crowns can be a great option for restoring and strengthening damaged teeth, as well as improving their appearance. However, they can be costly and involve a significant time commitment, and some people may experience sensitivity following the procedure. Before making a decision, it is essential to take into account all the pros and cons of getting a dental crown in order to determine if it is the right choice for you.