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I Still Have Two Baby Teeth

On the upper left side of my mouth, the incisor and canine teeth are still the baby teeth, even though I am 28 years old. The missing adult teeth never grew in. My smile really looks funny because the two teeth are very noticeable. I don’t want porcelain crowns or veneers. Is it possible to remove the teeth and replace them with implants? – Thank you. Karson from Lincoln, NE

Karson,

Thank you for your question.

If You Still Have Baby Teeth Will Dental Implants Work?

Diagram of dental implant components and a dental implant in the bone next to a natural tooth
An x-ray may locate your adult teeth instead of getting dental implants

If you still have two baby teeth, dental implants can replace them if there are no impacted permanent teeth beneath the primary teeth. In many cases, the permanent teeth are impacted. You cannot replace the teeth with dental implants until a dentist takes x-rays to locate the permanent teeth. Afterward, the dentist will determine your treatment options.

Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist who can help impacted teeth erupt into the correct position. It is common for lateral incisors, premolars, and wisdom teeth not to form. The orthodontist may open your gum tissue to expose each tooth. If the teeth need assistance emerging into the correct position, braces can guide them.

An orthodontist will determine whether there is enough room for each tooth to erupt or if they must reposition or remove any teeth to help impacted teeth emerge. Dental implants may be an option for underdeveloped or malformed impacted teeth.

Moline, Illinois dentist, Dr. Thomas Goebel, sponsors this post.

How Long Can I Delay Fixing a Crack in a Tooth Crown?

My second molar has a hairline crack. I got four crowns in 2002, so they are aging. Last month, I felt the crack as my tongue ran alongside the side of my tooth. But now I can see the crack, and I can feel it with my finger. How long can I delay getting it fixed? I am leaving for Pennsylvania in early July to give my sister a break from caregiving for our mom. Is this an emergency? I don’t want to be in another state and need a new dentist for a crown. It would take me away from the reason I am traveling. Thanks. Journee from Pittsburgh, PA

Journee,

Although the hairline crack in your crown is not a dental emergency, it probably will not be too long before the crown breaks.

How Long Can You Delay Fixing a Cracked Dental Crown?

Diagram of a same-day-crown hovering over a molar tooth
A same-day crown may be the solution for you

It is usually not a concern if a tooth or dental crown has a craze line or hairline crack. But if you could feel the damage in the past but now see it, your tooth is getting worse.

We recommend asking your dentist to examine your cracked crown and the other crowns to determine the extent of the damage. Depending on the condition of your crowns, your dentist may recommend replacing all of them because they are old. Also, talk to your dentist about your travel plans. If you may be at risk of the crown breaking while in Pennsylvania, it is better to find out now so you can replace the crown before traveling. Dentists who use CAD/CAM technology can make a new crown for you in one visit.

Ensure your dentist has the cosmetic dentistry training to color match your crowns with your natural teeth and ensure your bite is well balanced.

Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a Moline, Illinois, cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.