Dental Implants to Replace Baby Teeth

If you are reading this post you are probably one of a small percentage of adults that has a baby tooth without a permanent tooth below.  As an adult with a baby tooth,  the tooth is often lost between the ages of 20 and 45 and must be replaced with a dental implant.

A baby tooth may become fused to the jaw bone and look submerged compared to the other teeth.  Those baby teeth may be difficult to extract if they are fused (ankylosis).

 

What baby tooth is most common in adults?

The most common adult tooth to be missing is the upper front tooth called the lateral incisor. Those teeth are just next to the two big upper front teeth.  Dental implants are used very commonly to replace retained baby teeth.  Many times, I replace these front baby teeth before the age of 18 because of cosmetic concerns of not having one or both front teeth.

The other common tooth is the lower second bicuspid or “premolar.”  This very common missing tooth replaced with dental implants is located in the middle of your bottom teeth.  The bicuspid tooth is usually sitting atop of a nerve in your jaw.  Extreme care must be used to avoid this nerve during placement of a lower second bicuspid implant.  A shorter implant is usually used in this area.  A special curve of the nerve referred to as the “mental loop” should also be assessed.

Also, the size of the implant and the size of baby teeth are different.  The real bicuspid tooth that should have been there, is smaller than the baby tooth.  This makes the dental implant look more like a molar. In the front of the mouth, it is the opposite, so more space is needed to prevent the tooth from looking too small.

Often times, I will extract a baby tooth and replace it with a dental implant, abutment and crown on the same day.  Bone grafting may be needed to fill the voids between the two.

If you are missing just one adult permanent tooth, often times your smile midline will shift to one side or the other making your smile appear crooked.  I have my orthodontist work closely with me so that we can get the spacing just right so that the dental implant looks great.  Planning is the most important when it comes to replacing baby teeth with dental implants.

In summary, your baby tooth or teeth can be replaced with dental implants.  Just make sure that all the details about the treatment plan and diagnosis are made well in advance of starting treatment.  This will make for a very smooth process for you.

Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Burbank, California
Voted Best Dentist in Burbank -2006, 2008, 2010, 2011
www.burbankdentalimplants.com

132 thoughts on “Dental Implants to Replace Baby Teeth”

  1. Hi, I’m 20 years old and missing 4 of my adult molars because they never grew in. 2 of the baby teeth that were under caps have fallen out. I’m left with it’s roots. Is it possible to take the roots out and place the implant in the same procedure or do I have to wait for my gums to heal after the root is extracted and then come back another time for the implant. If so, how long is the wait in between?

    Reply
  2. My 2.5 year old toddler has 2 teeth fused on the left and right lower sides (canine and lateral incisors I think)… so four teeth fused total. We weren’t told much about this from our dentist other than it’s not very common… but after reading online I think there’s a possibility she may need dental implants in the future for missing permanent teeth. At what age would you recommend that I request an orthodontist appointment for her?

    Reply
  3. Hi Dr. Amin,
    I hope you will see this! I am a 24 yo woman with 4 baby (2nd premolar) teeth – 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom. My most recent xrays show poor roots remaining however they are not loose or hurting yet. However, I do want to get my crooked front teeth fixed and was wondering whether invisalign or braces could close the gap of these baby teeth (when I have them removed). The other option is to get invisalign/braces AND additional cost of implants for the baby teeth down the line…. but this is very expensive so I am unsure. Please let me know what your thoughts are!! Thank you!!

    Reply
      • But is it safe to get invisalign in my situation? Could the invisalign put too much pressure on the baby teeth resulting in them to fall out earlier? Thank you!!

        Reply
      • Hi I am 19 years old and have 4 baby teeth as pre molars. I was supposed to get my braces but my dentist suggested that i get these teeth removed and get minor implants while getting braces. So that the implants can help with the pushing of the teeth. What would happen to the gaps after the braces and implants are removed? i need a second opinion on whether are not this is an ideal solution

        Reply
        • If it is possible hold onto the baby teeth. Do not remove them and put miniature miniature implants in if you do not have to.

          Unless the baby teeth are sunken in and “ankylosed“ you may be able to work around them and maybe keep them for another 10 to 20 years and then have implants placed when the baby teeth fail

          I was suggest you see a really good orthodontist for a second opinion

          Reply
  4. Hi. Grateful for this forum. I am 48 and have 2 retained baby teeth (no permanent replacements) on my lower, same position on either side of my mouth, they are molars. One has a gold crown for over 10 years. I currently have swollen gum and pain on the outer side of that crown. I know I need to see a dentist ASAP and I’m out of town.

    I’ve been concerned about these baby teeth and how they should be treated as the other one is worn down and likely needs to be replaced also. I have multiple chemical sensitivities. I’m not sure how my body would react to implants or am concerned about how much they cost. If you can please offer advice and possible options.
    Thank you

    Reply
  5. Hello, my 10 year old is missing the upper lateral incisors. The adult canines came down in those lateral incisor spots instead and the baby canines are still in place next to those. Plan is to eventually do reshaping or veneers and use the adult canines as sub for lateral incisors. The ortho recommended getting the baby canines pulled so the next molar can move forward and take that spot since space is tight in the back (6 year molar is impacted and hasn’t fully erupted). I’ve also read to leave healthy baby teeth with good roots in place so I’m conflicted on getting these baby canines pulled or leave in place?

    Reply
  6. Hello,

    I still have two baby teeth (both my top canines). One of my baby teeth is still in good shape while the other ones roots are starting to get loose. My ultimate goal is to get braces (I have a other small gaps in my teeth as well) but I’m not quite sure what to do about my baby teeth. Implants are really out of my price range. Would a bridge work in this case? or could I just have them pulled and close the gaps? It’s about 9mm of space that would need to be closed if so. I’m 24 years old and have been insecure about my teeth my entire life and I want to feel confident in my smile for once.

    Reply
    • Without seeing you I can’t tell you that a bridge could work or not but it would be really sad to grind down the adjacent teeth

      Consider a Maryland bridge as a another cost effective solution but they do tend to come off a lot

      Reply
  7. I go to brightnow and currently have braces on, on my middle bottom right is a baby tooth with no adult under, they recommend a bone graph and an implant… $4800 total, that’s more than my braces, is that the for sure route to do? He said it’s about 7mm and would take about 2 years more of braces to Close it that way, I’m so stressed :/

    Reply
    • It is a difficult decision to make. It sounds like you are considering closing the space where implant should go. It also sounds like you are missing a lateral incisor. If this is the case they will pull the canine into position eliminating the need for implant. It will make your smile look a little bit funny having to canine in the lateral position. Realistically I think your cost will end up going beyond 4800 as there is likely the need for very extensive bone grafting. Replacing baby teeth in adults is no easy task. Often requires gum and bone block grafting in order to get enough bone back to have a successful implant long-term. Dental implants are not permanent so having it done the right way the first time is going to be your best option if you choose to do that. Maybe have the orthodontist show you some pictures of people that have canines in the lateral position so that you can make a better decision. Sometimes it works just fine!

      Reply
  8. Hi

    Thank you for your time & expertise. I am 57 and just lost my lower premolar on the Left side (4th tooth from the front) and still have the matching baby tooth on the Right side, but it is damaged and we have been working to protect it for a decade. The canines are crowded onto the incisors. In your opinion, should I remove the other primary tooth and “straighten” the canines before getting implants? Or, never worry about straightening the canines?

    Reply
    • If straightening the canine is something that is important to you it would be best to do it in conjunction with the implant. This may be a personal decision rather than a dental/biological decision. Sounds like you need to do some soul searching! 😉 Stay safe during COVID 19!

      Reply
      • Hello. So I’m 21 years old and my canine teeth, on both sides, are my baby teeth. The adult ones are there but never came down. My right side canine baby tooth is getting loose and is actually pushing the tooth next to my big one, creating creating gap. What should I do? I don’t want braces for multiple reasons. I was going to get clear aligners but didn’t know if I should now with that one baby tooth being loose. Thank you!

        Reply
        • I know you don’t want braces but the BEST option is to pull down your impacted canines with braces. This will preserve your face contours as you get older and do this the right way. You can’t do aligners with loose teeth. You will only become more pretty when the real canines are there 😊

          Reply
  9. I have a biolactual crossbite and my two upper canines are baby teeth (I’m 29 years old). One of my adult teeth can been seen behind one of the baby tooth the other is hidden within the roof of my mouth. I went to see an orthodontist yesterday and was told he was unable to help me and that I needed to find someone more specialist. I’d read about the possibility of braces with chains to bring the adult teeth into place however didn’t know I had this crossbite issue as no one has ever mentioned it before. The orthodontist also said there was a high chance the tooth in the roof of my mouth wouldn’t move into position and the brace/chain action in itself could do more damage potentially leaving me with a large gap and that I might struggle to get implants if all failed? My parents never took me to the dentist as they saw my teeth as ‘perfectly fine’. I found out at 18 that this was not the case. 10 years old I finally have the money to look to fix these things and worry it’s too late. Do I leave it and have my fingers crossed for later life? Do I mess about with my teeth with a risk of it not working and messing my teeth up further? If implants are the last option and they will work for me I feel I’ll be less worried about the risks of permanent toothless caused by the braces. Would love to hear your opinion!

    Reply
    • Thank you for your detailed question. I hope you are staying safe during COVID 19.

      At age 29 it may be very difficult if not possible to pull to canine in with a chain attached to orthodontics. There is a technique that I do which is called forced eruption. Basically it you just forced the tooth into the right position. The problem is the canine might die over time and become ankylosed. It may be worth a try. Even if you have to have the canine removed there is no reason that you cannot have an implant for the area. It may take some bone block graft reconstruction but most cases can be done if you are treated by an expert.

      You may want to have a couple of other consults. The crossbite is challenging because often times they can only be corrected by doing jaw surgery. But maybe you decide not to correct it!

      Reply
  10. Hi I am 20, I have 2 baby teeth next to each other (lower incisors) my dentist recommends me to replace them with a bridge.

    I have read that bridges cause bone loss in the jaw .How true is this?

    And can bone loss have negative consequences to my jawline/ facial structure? Or will it be ok as it’s only replacing 2 baby teeth?

    Many thanks

    Reply
    • I would not suggest the bridge in this area! Grinding down natural teeth for lower incisors is not necessarily a good idea unless you are missing all 4 incisors and they are going to grind down the canine teeth. Regardless dental implants are better option in the lower. Sometimes in the upper jaw, I bridge can be better option but rarely in the lower jaw. Yes it is true that bridges will lead to bone loss because there is no function underneath the fake teeth

      ~stay safe during COVID 19

      Reply
      • Ok thank you for responding !!I was a bit scared of getting implants because of the risk of peri-implantisis.

        Does the bone loss change the shape of my face/jawline. Or will it stay the same as it’s only effecting the alveolar jaw?

        How long do baby teeth typically last for ,if I decide to leave them?

        Hope you stay safe too!!

        Reply
  11. Hi,
    It’s really refreshing to see someone who does implants telling adults with baby teeth to keep them. My dentists keep on trying to push me into “looking into implants”, it’s only been my dental hygienist who has told me she’s seen people double my age who still have healthy baby teeth and not to do anything till necessary.

    I’m 28, with with my left and right lower premolars both baby teeth. 3-4 years ago my dentist polished my teeth after a checkup and accidentally polished off the enamel of those baby teeth exposing the dentin (luckily I have a very high pain tolerance, I usually opt for no numbing even when I get deep fillings). My dentists answer to my problem was to do some filling work on my teeth to cover the dentin parts that he could tell were exposed (I’m sure that there were parts of the exposed dentin that he missed and did not cover). Now 3-4 years after that, those two teeth have slowly been ground down in the places where my top and bottom teeth meet when in a neutral jaw position (I guess from having impact from the top teeth and not having proper enamel to protect them), one of the premolars can get extremely sensitive at times – I know the dentin on that one is probably highly exposed again). The two teeth are rooted well and have never had cavities. I’m wondering if there is something I can do about them – particularly the one that is starting to hurt…. Should I get it covered like a filling again? Maybe with a root canal to stop any future pain? get a crown? Get an implant?
    I’m a bit weary of getting a crown or implant also because the tooth above it is a bit sensitive, I’m sure it has reduced enamel as well. I’m afraid a crown or implant will increase the friction faced by that upper tooth.

    Reply
    • Thank you for your kind words. Of course there are times where baby teeth ‘have’ to be replaced. This is a decision is made on a clinical exam, x-rays to come to a diagnosis and treatment plan. If the tooth can be saved then by all means of a filling or crown but a root canal on the baby tooth is not an option in the adult patient.

      Reply
      • I have two baby canine teeth and when I went to the dentist to get an X-ray, they said there was no permanent canine teeth above the baby teeth in both spots. I was wondering is there a chance they can start growing? I’m 18 years old by the way. Also, there are white bumps above the baby canine teeth and they are starting to become loose.

        Thank you!

        Reply
        • They will not grow in by themselves. You have to have the impacted teeth attached to some small chains and orthodontics to “pull them in.” This is the best way to do it if it is possible. Ideally you would be a little bit younger but start working on this right away! Waiting is only going to make it less possible! Stay safe during COVID 19

          Reply
          • Hi, I’m 27 and have also baby teeth (lower 5’s). Today my dentist removed one of them because it would fall out anyway (was really shaky for a while). I wonder what is the best option now? Should I go for an implant? I mean is it necessarily to do it or can I be without these tooth?

  12. I’m 33 years old, and my upper right cuspid is a baby tooth with the adult tooth fully grown in behind it. The baby tooth has become somewhat loose and wobbly. If I should end up losing it, what is the possibility that the adult tooth will move into the correct position on its own? Just curious if that’s even a possibility, because unfortunately, I don’t have the money for expensive orthodontic work.

    Reply
    • It won’t move in on its own. It will require orthodontic movement. It only moves on its own when we were about 8-15 years of age

      Reply
  13. My 13 year old daughter is missing one lateral incisor on the right side. Her adult canine has grown in the lateral incisor position and her baby tooth is in the canine position with no adult tooth behind it. On the left side she has an adult lateral incisor that is a peg tooth.

    The orthodontist has given two options.
    Option one is to pull out the baby tooth and the peg tooth, then use braces to her teeth forwards and pull the canine into the lateral incisor position. This would also involve pulling out two healthy bottom teeth to balance her bite. (Pulling 4 teeth in total) I’m really worried about pulling out healthy teeth.

    Option 2 is to not pull out any teeth, use braces to make a space so the peg tooth can be built up, and maybe reshape the right canine. This would leave the baby tooth in situ, which I am worried might fall out in the future leaving her with more problems, but I’m thinking maybe she could get an implant later in life if it falls out.

    They are recommending option 1.
    What would you recommend?

    Reply
  14. My 16 year old daughter has a baby tooth (a molar towards the back on her bottom teeth) with no adult tooth underneath. Her ortho is recommending she have it removed because it is “sinking into her bone” and then have an implant done in 18 months or so. He will hold the space with a retainer. After doing some research, my concern is bone loss while we wait 1.5 years for her to stop growing, or having an implant done before she is done growing. What do you recommend?

    Reply
  15. I’m hoping you still respond here…I’m 33, my #11 is a baby tooth and the adult tooth is way up in the roof of my mouth… but it’s there. The baby tooth is in good shape with room around it but it looks like I’m missing a tooth when I smile. I hate it! What options might I have?

    Reply
      • I currently have braces to make space for a cuspid implant. I had my baby tooth cuspid implant pulled because it was rotted and the nerve was exposing. Should I have told my dentist to wait and try to save it in this state? Also, every periodontist says I have to create more space and other say I have too much. I 10mm of space for my implant cuspid. How should I go about telling the periodontist/orthodontist when one says I’m ready for an implant and the other says no? I have a lot of space. I would also need gum grafting done. Thank you!

        Reply
        • I am assuming you are talking about it upper canine not a lower canine. The normal space for that tooth is 7.5 mm on average. 10 mm is very large. On talking about the space in between the crowns of the teeth that we refer to as the mesiodistal space. The tooth will look awkward if the space is truly 10 mm. This is quite easy to measure on scan but often times and experienced dentist do not know how to read these things properly. The other option is to keep the space at 10 mm and build the tooth with a purposeful gap on the one side or the other. and helps keep them stable over time.

          Stay safe during COVID 19!

          Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
          Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
          Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry

          Reply
  16. I’m 45 and have two baby premolars on bottom. They look great and I’ve had no problems. However they both now have a small cavity in difficult locations (on the side facing the neighboring tooth). Should I have the cavities filled and try to keep the teeth as long as possible or extract them and get implants if that is the inevitable solution anyway?

    Reply
  17. I am 35 years old, I have a baby tooth, my dentist says that she can see my adult tooth . She recommended I go to a specialist to get the tooth removed and have the adult tooth pulled down and get braces so that my teeth dont get crooked. I have straight teeth and am not to fond of getting braces at this age over 1 tooth. Is her recommendation of getting braces normal? She said we would need to remove it now or later on in life it MIGHT get infected….

    Reply
  18. My friend has a full mouth of baby teeth at 31 years old. They are all brown, does he need to get them all removed and replaced with implants?

    Reply
  19. Hi there i am 22 and have a baby tooth on the left side of my mouth right beside my front tooth apparently the two adult teeth beside the baby tooth have grown in the wrong places due to the baby tooth not falling out I am just wondering what my options could be to get it fixed

    Reply
  20. Hi I’m a 24 year old with 2 baby teeth on the top with no permanent teeth behind. I don’t have any problems with these two baby teeth. I just finished invisilign and the doctor left some spaces around my baby teeth for implant. I wonder if I should do implant now or should wait till the baby teeth are loose?

    Reply
  21. Hi I’m 27 year old I lost my front below both baby milk teeth two years back.now I using removable clip.I’m planing for implant but doctor says the front portion of jaw bone is thin so he need to make some graph and make a minute drill.I just want to now is this safe.and is this possible to implant on front below both the milk teeth number 24and 25 at a same time because as doctor said it’s a thin bone jaw is it possible to drill on 24 and 25 teeth.is there any problem will come.how may days r months it takes to cure.

    Reply
  22. I am a 79 year old woman with a baby tooth right cuspid(perm one was extracted years ago). I have pain behind my right eye, thought it was sinus, but could it be the tooth? It is loose, but never bothered me so I let it be. Betty

    Reply
    • Wow!!… Not too many 79-year-old with the baby tooth still left behind. It can definitely be this tooth!

      Reply
  23. I’m 28years old, and I just lost my baby canine teeth few days ago , is it possible to grow my permanent teeth back at this age I’m just worried because I don’t have money for implant.what should I do please?

    Reply
  24. hi! i just turned 20. i have a baby tooth. not sure if there is one above or not. it jsut stared hurting and feeling loose. im planning to see a dentist soon. it felt like this once before for a day or so but the next it wasnt loose feeling? no pain? is this normal?? advice?

    Reply
  25. I’m a 57+ y/o with two baby teeth. The roots are still firmly attached to the bone, but they have had fillings over the years. Would it be better to have them extracted and replaced in preparation for coming years? Perhaps the tissue would heal and an implant would perform better now than if I wait until I’m older. Or perhaps that’s not the case. Is there an advantage to taking care of it now or should I just wait until there’s a problem.

    Reply
  26. I’m a 23yr old with two baby teeth. Both are on the bottom middle and they are very weak and discolored. I’ve had multiple procedures done on them and I’d like them removed. I’m pretty sure my health benefit provider will not cover the cost of implants and I cannot afford the expensive procedure to fix them. Do I have other options?

    Reply
  27. Hi im 27 and have 2 baby teeth at the top with the adult teeth behind. Its never been a problem until recently when one of the teeth is really sore and more wobbly. I dont want to have braces, is it possible to have all 4 teeth removed and have implants?

    Reply
    • Only remove the ones that are problematic. Just because they are baby teeth and does not mean that they will not last well into your 50s. Replace them as they fail rather than all at once for this particular circumstance. Good luck

      Reply
      • how do you get a flipper ? I have no insurance and a minimum wage job! what should I do ??? I had a k9 baby tooth that finally broke last year, and there was still a peace up in my gum, just today , i wiggled it with tweezers and it came right out, so now there is just a hole in my gum, where my k9 adult tooth is suppose to be, i am 25 yrs old…… and i dont want to have a crooked smile, what is a flipper, how do i get one, and what will it do ??

        Reply
  28. Hello Dr.,

    I am 28 years old and I have two baby tooth’s in bottom front. The baby tooth are not covering full height and there is some gap and those two tooth’s are very small we can’t accommodate two permanent tooths in that space. if we put one it will give some space. Could provide the best option for me.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Try doing something more simple like bonding to the baby teeth rather than extracting them if that option exists. I’m assuming that they are not loose!
      The reason why say this is you likely have no bone below the baby teeth and at your young age keeping them for another 10-30 years maybe an option.

      Reply
  29. I am 27 and just had a baby tooth pulled due to pain. It’s on the lower right side. I think I may have dry socket as some of the hole has already healed while there is one spot that looks empty (no blood clot or white stuff like the other half) and I think I’m seeing the next tooth. I’m hurting quite a bit and taking prescribed painkillers (I can’t take NSAIDs). I talked to my dentist and he said if it doesn’t heal in 2 weeks to call then but I’ve had teeth pulled before and never experienced this. Is seeing a hole that doesn’t seem to be healing normal? It was a quick and easy pull done last week.

    Reply
  30. Hello,

    I just had an adult baby tooth extracted (premolar) since it was infected and my dentist said he had gotten the infection out after he pulled it out. And there is so tooth underneath. I was in severe pain on day 2 so he prescribed me an antibiotic clindamycin, seems to look better as swelling goes down however I am still experiencing severe pain as I am taking a lot of painkiller. It has been 5 days since the extraction – so is this typical? Thank you in advance!

    Reply
    • Not typical unless extraction was terrible and no steroid was given. Have your DDS look at you again. You may have an infection that Clinda does not kill. I assume you are penicillin allergic !?

      Reply
  31. I’m am 19 years old and ALL of my teeth are baby teeth and very gapped. I hate my smile more than anything and it looks very abnormal. I’ve been to several dentists and orthodontist and nobody can help me. most of my teeth do not have roots and some do. My dentist was going to make partials for me. she was going to remove the teeth that didn’t have roots and then bind the remaining so that there was no gaps. unfortunately the frame work wouldn’t work for my teeth because they were too short. I’ve also been told that I cant get them filled in because my teeth could eventually fall out. I need your help! I’m not sure what to do next or how to fix it. please answer ASAP.

    Reply
    • If you’re roots are too small to do orthodontics then it leaves you limited options. Perhaps you should see orthodontist inside of a dental school before making a rash decision to remove your teeth. Sometimes veneers and crowns can be made on teeth with very short roots. Teeth are very impressive… They can do things that dental implants cannot!

      Reply
      • My baby teeth fall out at age of 30 and adult teeth didn’t replace that… It is still in jaw so I have to put artificial teeth to look good.. Can it be possible that my adult teeth is in sleeping position in jaw???

        Reply
  32. Sir, i am already 18 years old but my first bicuspid tooth hasn’t erupted yet and the baby tooth in line with it has decayed already and i have been experiencing quite a pain recently because of it. Will i still be able to grow a permanent tooth after its extraction? Reply please asap

    Reply
  33. I have a baby tooth upper right k nine my tooth is turning pink by my gum, x-rays have shown my permanent tooth in there straight as a whistle I just never drop my baby tooth, if I have it extracted can the permanent tooth come down?

    Reply
    • Having a small mouth is fine but you just need the proper space for the implant. Orthodontics can create the proper space if it is too narrow or if there are rotations or tilted teeth right next-door.

      Reply
  34. Hi I am a 34 year old woman with a baby tooth ( top right k nine) that has recently started 2 feel tight? Is it getting ready 2 fall out? Do I need to wait for it to fall out before having an implant? My elder brother had the same baby tooth up until he tried to get it filled to look like an adult tooth and it fell out, my 14 year old son recently had a dental x-ray showing his adult k nine is the only tooth inside the gum that is at an angle, which indicates it’s hereditary and he may have the same issue, is there anyway of making sure his adult tooth comes down?

    Reply
    • Your son needs to see an orthodontist ASAP. The canine may be able to be pulled down in the right position so he does not have to go through an implant in the future.

      Unless your a baby tooth is symptomatic, you can leave it alone. You may want to consider having a 3-D scan at this point to evaluate the complexity of replacing this tooth. It has the possibility of being very complex for requiring a block bone graft.

      Reply
  35. Hi I am a 29 year old female with 2 baby molars on bottom. The one has been hanging in there by 1 root for about 2 years or so now. It is now hurting and starting to get loose I noticed while flossing last night. What should I do? Can I get a replacement tooth? My dentist said to take care of it the best I can and when it starts getting loose or painful to come in. I hope I can get a replacement…

    Reply
  36. I am 19 $ I have the same problem. I have 2 baby tooths in lower front area. These baby tooth sometimes give me little pain but i can toleratw. And also one tooth is missing on the left corner. Should i do implants or braces or crown? I am so confuse. Would you please provide me some more information.

    Reply
    • You will need to see an orthodontist to determine what is the best course of action for your particular situation. Sometimes the lower incisors can be squished together with orthodontics alleviating the need to ever have a dental implant or bridge.

      Reply
  37. this is exactly what is going on with me right now. Im 25 years still have one baby teeth to the front of my mouth on my upper jaw

    Reply
  38. My name is Samantha and I am 25 years old and I still have most of my baby teeth, the rest of my teeth are fused with my jaw bone. I have serious issues with dentists that won’t believe me on my diagnosis and while in the process of getting X rays of my teeth I have a serious gag reflex as well as I have a tendency to bite when I am scared and I have seriously high anxiety attacks when it comes to going to the dentist or even talking about it. MY father had the same issues with his teeth when he was a child and when he was 21 he had all baby teeth except the molars and the top front teeth so he had to have them all extracted and he also had a artificial heart valve and his dentists did not care nor attempt to make the right decisions so he was not given any antibiotics and all the infection and decay from his teeth traveled from his teeth to his heart. When he found out that he was sick he was given 6 months to live he didn’t even make it 3 Months he died of a heart attack and I found him! I have 2 children and one on the way and I am in extreme amount of pain and I can’t handle it. I live in Las Vegas NV with HEALTH PLAN OF NV MEDICAID INSURANCE!

    Reply
  39. Hello!

    I am a 20 year old female, and I just had a lesion removed off of my tongue as well as an akylosed decaying baby tooth surgically removed a week ago. It’s healing fairly nicely.

    First thing is, I wasn’t sure if the pain should hurt as much as it does? I mean, it’s not terrible. It just throbs a lot, especially at night, or after talking for a bit! I’ve just heard stories about how people having their wisdom teeth cut out heal up so quick with no pain, and I know this is no where near the same surgical procedure. I’m just worried.

    Secondly, since I’ve had this removed, how long should I wait till I try to get an implant in place? The oral surgeon told me I needed to wait till the healing process had run its process since it was so deep and decaying. It was GROSS!! I just want to know how quickly I should follow through with that due to my teeth falling or the gap closing.

    One positive, at least I have that tooth finally out of my mouth!
    Please get back as soon as possible.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  40. Hello!

    I am a 20 year old female and, I just had a lesion removed off of my tongue as well as an akylosed decaying baby tooth surgically removed a week ago. It’s healing fairly nicely.

    First thing is, I wasn’t sure if the pain should hurt as much as it does? I mean, it’s not terrible. It just throbs a lots especially at night, or after talking for a bit! I’ve just heard stories about how people having their wisdom teeth cut out heal up so quick with no pain, and I know this is no where near the same surge rival procedure. I’m just worried.

    Secondly, since I’ve had this removed, how long should I wait till I try to get an implant in place? The oral surgeon told me I needed to wait till the healing process had taken place since it was so deep and decaying. It was GROSS!! I just want to know how quickly I should follow through with that due to my teeth falling or the gap closing.

    One positive, at least I have that tooth finally out of my mouth!
    Please get back as soon as possible.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • hello Stacy,

      Pain can be extremely variable depending on patient and the surgical technique that was utilized. Without seeing you before and after there is no way for me to tell you whether this is normal or not. Fortunately, time heals all things. Usually pain is the worst for the first 2 or 3 days then gets better. This must have been a really bad extraction. I am hoping you had some type of socket preservation bone graft at the time of extraction. Timeline would ideally be 4-6 months after the removal and graft to have the dental implant. For sure, have a 3-D scan done beforehand. I’m guessing this is one of your lower premolar teeth that happens to run very close to an important nerve in the jaw. Good luck and happy Thanksgiving

      Ramsey Amin DDS

      Reply
  41. Hi,

    I am 33 yr old man from India and I had a baby tooth till yesterday. It’s on the upper right, after the front 8 teeth. It became loose and the dentist removed it. X-Ray shows there is a hidden permanent tooth below it.

    The dentist told me there are two options with me now –
    1. Dental Bridge – this would require the two surrounding teeth to be chipped away.
    2. Implant – but this would require the permanent hidden tooth to be surgically removed first. Also, there is a chance that implant might not be possible – she said it depends on the healing and bone density after the surgery.

    What should I do?
    What if I leave this tooth like this itself i.e. empty space between teeth?
    Is there any other option apart from the above two mentioned?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • I don’t have enough information such as a clinical exam and detailed x-rays to answer your unique situation. Every person and situation is different. My only suggestion is the you see somebody who is very skilled in both options and weigh each one carefully. These are permanent decisions.

      Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
      Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
      Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry

      Reply
  42. Hello!
    I am a 31 year old female that is missing her adult lateral incisors (both up top). My canines are where those teeth should be and the baby baby teeth are where the canines should be. I went to an orthodontist recently and they said they would like the baby teeth removed and then they’ll place the braces and move the canines where they should be. After the braces are off they said I could have implants placed where my lateral incisors should be. Sounds easy enough! I had my wisdom teeth removed a week ago by an amazing oral surgeon and mentioned my plans about orthodontics and then having implants placed. His only concern was that we make sure there’s enough space for the implant. That there has to be at least 7mm. Does that sound correct?Cant the orthodontist shift my teeth enough to make sure there’s space? She (the Ortho) seemed pretty confident. I asked her since and she didn’t seem to think there would be an issue. Last question.. When I asked the surgeon how much the implants would cost he quoted around $3,500 for both. Does that normally INCLUDE the crown? I didn’t think to ask him at the time and since I came across this site I figured I’d ask. 🙂 After YEARS of waiting to not be embarrassed to talk or smile around people I’m very anxious to have my braces placed and then implants put in. Very excited!! Thank you for your time!!

    Reply
    • Yes, 7 mm is about average width of a lateral incisor on the upper jaw. Of course there are variable and every patient and should be made in proportion to your canine and your central incisor. It should not be just a random measurement but rather made in a proportion to the other teeth. The person who is making a final tooth, not the surgeon should be making the decision on how much space you should have for the tooth to look good. These cases are best treated by an excellent team or by a single surgeon/restorative dentist.

      That cost will likely not include the crown….. That would be a very low fee and I would caution you that there are possible issues.

      Missing lateral incisors is often one of the most difficult cosmetic restorations to do. You will generally need custom abutments, some type of bone or gum grafting but it will really depend on your unique situation. Making these teeth look good is easy making them look great can be complex.

      Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
      Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
      Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry

      Reply
  43. Hello,
    I am desperately seeking help and advice….implants gone wrong. Implants appear longer then other teeth after temporary crowns.
    My son was missing his right and left lateral incisor on the top. At age 18 he started orthodontic treatment to move his canine teeth back to make room for dental implants for the missing incisors. The orthodontists and dental surgeon worked together to schedule when to start implants.
    Braces started Sept 2012, my son would be 18 in Nov 2012
    Consultation with dental surgeon Feb 2014.
    June 23, 2014 implants placed by oral/maxillofacial surgery office, while still having braces on, which were to be complete by November.
    Implants where done by splitting upper jaw and hammering in the implant. (so I understand)
    Temp crowns 12/22 where installed Sept 22/14 by prosthodontist, while braces still on, and looked at by oral surgeon at his request.

    I was noticing what appeared that his implants looked longer than his real teeth, and the orthodontist also noticed this during Jan 18, 2015 appointment.
    We sent pictures to the orthodontist, surgeon, and prosthodontist for their review and explanation to why this was happening.
    Appointment was made with prosthodontist which said he could do nothing to correct this as crowns where firm and implants where firm, and the implant was to far out of gum line to correct in change of crown.
    Same day went to orthodontist office, and they examined, checked the firmness of the implants/crowns and had no explanations to the cause of the lowering implants.
    Same day went to oral surgeon that also looked at implants and xrays with no reasoning for what has happened.

    Have you ever heard of anything like this?

    My sons birth date is Nov 1994, he is 5’6” tall, 130 lbs. size 9 shoes.

    So, now the surgeon is recommending removing the implants while my son is awake without antibiotics after care, and when braces come off, put new implants in. The braces should be done within a month, so we are told. I do not know why this happened, and if this is the best way to proceed. To remove and leave for short period without bone graph to fill holes. To remove and install same day, to use antibiotics etc.

    Please, please help ASAP, as I am at a loss as what went wrong, way and best way to correct this unfortunate outcome so that my son can have best possible treatment for lasting results. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Hello,
    I am desperately seeking help and advice….implants gone wrong. Implants appear longer then other teeth after temporary crowns.
    My son was missing his right and left lateral incisor on the top. At age 18 he started orthodontic treatment to move his canine teeth back to make room for dental implants for the missing incisors. The orthodontists and dental surgeon worked together to schedule when to start implants.
    Braces started Sept 2012, my son would be 18 in Nov 2012
    Consultation with dental surgeon Feb 2014.
    June 23, 2014 implants placed by oral/maxillofacial surgery office, while still having braces on, which were to be complete by November.
    Implants where done by splitting upper jaw and hammering in the implant. (so I understand)
    Temp crowns 12/22 where installed Sept 22/14 by prosthodontist, while braces still on, and looked at by oral surgeon at his request.

    I was noticing what appeared that his implants looked longer than his real teeth, and the orthodontist also noticed this during Jan 18, 2015 appointment.
    We sent pictures to the orthodontist, surgeon, and prosthodontist for their review and explanation to why this was happening.
    Appointment was made with prosthodontist which said he could do nothing to correct this as crowns where firm and implants where firm, and the implant was to far out of gum line to correct in change of crown.
    Same day went to orthodontist office, and they examined, checked the firmness of the implants/crowns and had no explanations to the cause of the lowering implants.
    Same day went to oral surgeon that also looked at implants and xrays with no reasoning for what has happened.

    Have you ever heard of anything like this?

    My sons birth date is Nov 1994, he is 5’6” tall, 130 lbs. size 9 shoes.

    So, now the surgeon is recommending removing the implants while my son is awake without antibiotics after care, and when braces come off, put new implants in. The braces should be done within a month, so we are told. I do not know why this happened, and if this is the best way to proceed. To remove and leave for short period without bone graph to fill holes. To remove and install same day, to use antibiotics etc.

    Please, please help ASAP, as I am at a loss as what went wrong, way and best way to correct this unfortunate outcome so that my son can have best possible treatment for lasting results. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • could it be that the teeth relapsed from orthodontic treatment. Wearing elastics from top to bottom teeth to make bite more open. Should we see if orthodontist can move his real teeth again down beside the implant or is this a waste of time. Should implants be removed and replaced and what are the complications associated with this in this region and 10 months after they have been installed. Opinions are that the implants where placed well and have not moved, but his real teeth and gum line are 1/4 higher then implants on both sides.

      Reply
      • Is this a continuation from another post? Your name sounds familiar. Are you in the UK?

        If this is an 18 year old male, he could very well be still growing and may be out growing the position of the implants. This would make the implant teeth look shorter than the real teeth.

        If he is still growing, you might want to wait another 3-5 years.

        Respectfully,

        Dr. Amin

        Reply
    • Hello Heather,

      The most likely scenario for your son is that the implants are placed slightly too far to the outside of his bone at an angle. Even if the implants are in a precise position but slightly angulated towards the front, the implants will appear longer than the other natural teeth. Precise angulation is key.

      precise angulation

      Oftentimes at the young age that your son is, he has extra gum to begin with and the front teeth or remaining upper teeth gumline can be lengthened to match the implant teeth. Oftentimes this results in a better cosmetic results because the teeth are taller than they are wide.

      This only works if your son has excessive gum tissue on his other teeth and/or a gummy smile.

      https://www.burbankdentalimplants.com/crown-lengthening/

      I hope this helps you and your son.

      Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
      Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
      Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry

      Reply
  44. sir ,i am a 22 year male candidate,i have 2 baby tooth in the lower jaw in middle position. l felt ashamed to talk casually to in front of people..sir please tell me the solution to create an impressive smile…please reply fast !!!!

    Reply
  45. Hello Dr.,

    I am 20 years old and have a baby tooth in front of my permanent tooth. The baby tooth is now shaky and I would rather fix it or have a solution before it falls off. I am wondering, if that does happen, how long will it take for the permanent tooth to move forward? Or what is my best option.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • if you have a permanent tooth already, all you need is a good orthodontist for some good luck on your side. We do not need a dental implant!!!!!!!!!

      That is the best is ever!!

      Dr. Amin

      Reply
  46. I’m 22 yrs old, I still have my baby tooth (letter O) but I think it’s getting close on needing to get extracted. I have seen two dentists and they said the space is really small for an implant. So they said maybe braces or a bridge. I don’t really want braces and have an open gap, and after reading the process for a bridge(filling down the side teeth) that doesn’t sound the best. What should I do?

    Reply
  47. Hi Dr.
    I am 34 years Old and i have two baby tooth which are lateral incisor. and its shaky now . i am so worried what should i do. please advice me . can i get you no. so i can talk to you.
    Regards
    Reena

    Reply
    • Hello Reena,

      Fortunately it is a tooth and not a kidney… It is easily replaced.

      My best advice would be for you to see a very skilled implant dentist. Ideally you can have an extraction and an immediate dental implant with same day temporary placed. You should walk in and walk out of the office within 2 hours with a great looking tooth that will be stable and aesthetic.

      I would have to see you personally in order to answer your questions properly.

      Front Teeth Dental Implant Samples

      Immediate Front Tooth Dental Implant Example -(Difficult Case)

      Very Respectfully,

      Ramsey Amin DDS
      Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry
      Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry
      Burbank, California

      Reply
      • thank you so much for you reply… can i send you my smile pic and x ray as i stay in Singapore. can i get your no. so i can talk to you on my case .
        Best regard
        Reena

        Reply
        • An examination is needed in addition to dental x-rays. One does not replace the other. You need to find a great dentist in your area.

          very respectfully,

          Ramsey Amin DDS

          Reply
          • I have 2 baby molars in my lower jaw and they have cavities. Doctor recommend me extraction and dental implants. I am scared that there maybe complications like implant rejection by my body. Why I can’t keep my teeth. Plz suggest me something

  48. I am 29 years old.i have a milk tooth which is the lower right canine and there is a permenant one below it but my dentist told me it is too large to replace rhe milk one and at the same time implant is impossible and the only option is a bridge between the lateral lower incisor and 1st premolar which seems ugly for my mind.what should i do

    Reply
  49. Dr. Amin,

    I have a total of three pimary teeth and two of them are bicuspids on the top jaw. I just paid my dentist a little over five thousand dollars after saving a whole year. He put in one implant and a bridge which came out looking very unnatural because my mid line is off. My bicuspid teeth are starting to feel submerged and I will eventually like to get them removed and replaced with implants. The implants will balance out the funny looking bridge im hoping. My dentist told me it wasn’t the aesthetic, that it was because my mid line was off and to fix it I would have to get braces put back on. I had braces on for a total of six years. I really can’t afford to keep back stepping like this. I have no idea what to do and would appreciate any advice. All these dental problems really affect my self esteem!

    Reply
    • Hi Christiana,

      If the two center teeth on the bridge are false pontics then the midline is easy to correct. If you have even one root in the center that is not in alignment, your midline will be off with out braces.

      It sounds like you need to get in the hands of a very skilled implant dentist teamed up with an excellent lab!

      Respectfully,

      Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
      Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
      Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry

      Reply
  50. My granddaughter just turned 18. Last year she had a baby tooth removed under which there was no adult tooth, just like her father has. Both have the situation with the identical tooth, the one next to the “canine” on the upper right. My granddaughter wore braces for several years, just having had them removed last year, then the tooth extraction. Since the extraction she has been wearing a clear retainer with a false tooth in it in preparation for her implant. At last exam the dentist is now telling her that there is now not enough room for an implant, that she will need a “bridge”. What happened? Why all of a sudden is there no room. Isn’t that something that should have been determined prior to the tooth extraction? She is now sorry she had it extracted at all. Also, bridge between what? How? Am I wrong or isn’t a bridge a false tooth that is wired on both sides to the adjacent teeth? How would that look in the front of her mouth, wires on her front tooth? And why is there suddenly not enough room for an implant when we’ve been talking about getting the implant for several years?

    Thanks. G

    Reply
  51. Hi Dr. Amin — Nice website! I moved to TN about 2 years ago. The implants you did for me back in 2002 are doing great! My new dentist really admired your work! Thank you..your work really lasts!!

    Reply

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