Overview
Missing upper front teeth are regarded unattractive and may have an effect on the self esteem and social well being of the individual. Thus it is important to detect and manage the problem as early as possible to reduce complications in the future management.
When is eruption considered delayed?
The permanent upper front teeth normally erupt at the age of 7 – 8 years old. The eruption is considered delayed when the child is above 8 1/2 – 9 years old.
Conditions in which eruption is consider delayed :
- the upper central front teeth (central incisors) are still unerupted 6 months after their normal eruption date which is 7-8 years old. Therefore an investigation is required if child is 8 1/2 -9 years old.
- a deviation from the normal sequence of eruption i.e. the second front upper teeth (lateral incisors) erupt before the first front upper teeth.
- the eruption of one of the upper front tooth has occurred 6 months earlier than the opposite side
- when both the upper front teeth have not erupted and the lower front teeth have erupted one year previously.
Delayed eruption of the right permanent upper and second front teeth
What are the causes of delayed eruption?
Local causes include :
- Presence of supernumerary (extra) tooth
- Abnormal tooth formation of unerupted teeth
- Abnormal shape of upper permanent
- Not enough space in the jaw
- Local bone or soft tissue disease
Other illnesses that can cause delayed eruption of teeth are rare, but include particularly those disorders involving bone growth and development e.g. :
- Rickets
- Hypothyroidism
- Fibrous dysplasia
- Down’s syndrome
What should one do when eruption of teeth is delayed?
- Bring you child to see a dentist if the permanent front teeth have not erupted by the age 8 1/2-9 years old or when you noticed any one of the delayed signs mentioned above. Do not delay dental check-up as the condition may get complicated.
Sequence of eruption
(This is a general guide)
Milk Teeth
Permanent Teeth
Eruption & drop off dates of the milk (deciduous) teeth
| Tooth | Eruption date | Drop off time |
|---|---|---|
|
Upper : Central Incisor |
7 months |
6 years |
|
Lower : Central Incisor |
6 months |
6 years |
N.B : Eruption times of ± 6 months of the above dates are considered normal.
Eruption & drop off dates of the milk (deciduous) teeth
| Tooth | Eruption date |
|---|---|
|
Upper : Central incisor |
7 – 8 years |
|
Lower : Central incisor |
6 – 7 years |
N.B : Eruption times of ± 6 months of the above dates are considered normal.
| Last reviewed | : | 20 April 2012 |
| Writer | : | Dr. Che Noor Aini bt. Che Omar |
| Reviewer | : | Dr. Laila bt. Abd Jalil |
