ECTOPIC ERUPTION OF TEETH
/Ectopic eruption is the dental term used when a tooth comes in the mouth at the wrong angle or in a wrong position. This can occur with both baby teeth and adult teeth and can cause long-term problems if left untreated. It occurs in 2 to 6% of the population, with the upper first permanent molar being the most commonly affected.
Ectopic eruption is diagnosed during routine checkups in our office. We are not only checking oral health of the teeth and gums but also tooth positioning. If an ectopically erupting tooth cannot be seen during our visual exam, it can also be identified in an X-ray. And if needed, additional x-rays or scans may be taken.
There are several causes of ectopic eruption. Genetics can play a role. If others in your family had issues with eruption of teeth, you might be more prone to experiencing ectopic eruption. If there is not enough room in the mouth and the teeth are crowded, they might not have space to come in properly. Sometimes people have extra teeth that block the path of normal teeth, causing them to erupt in the wrong place. If a baby tooth falls out too soon, the adult tooth underneath might not come in the right position. Finally, cysts or growths in the mouth can block teeth from coming in as they should.
If a tooth erupts in the wrong position, it might hurt as it tries to push through the gum, especially if it is pressing against other teeth. The gums around the tooth may also be swollen or red. If a tooth comes in a wrong position, it can make other teeth move, causing them to look crooked. And in some cases, the tooth might not come through at all, leaving a gap in the mouth.
The treatment of ectopic eruption depends on how serious the issue is. Here are the most common forms of treatment:
Watch and Wait: In some cases, the tooth might fix itself over time.
Braces: If the tooth is out of place, braces or other dental appliances can help align it.
Tooth Removal: If the tooth is causing too many problems, we might suggest extracting it, especially if it is blocking other teeth from coming in.
Surgery: If a tooth is stuck under the gum, surgery might be needed to expose it or move it into the right place.
Space Maintainers: If a baby tooth is lost early, a space maintainer may be used to make sure we save space for the adult tooth to fit in later.
Ectopic eruption is a fairly common problem, but it can lead to serious issues if not addressed. Catching it early with regular dental visits can help prevent pain, crooked teeth, and other problems. If you notice anything unusual about your child’s or your own teeth, please schedule a visit to our office so we can discuss the issues and determine an appropriate treatment.
Dr. Lindhorst, Dr. Darsey, Dr. Foss and the Heights Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Team