Some dental issues identified could make your kids candidates for orthodontic treatment. Most of the time, it is always a better idea to treat them sooner than later.
Your child may show signs of some of the unusual teeth problems. This guide highlights at least four of these problems, what they comprise, and how a children’s dentist in Herriman deals with them.
Talon Cusps
This problem gets its name from its shape, which resembles the talons of an eagle. The Journal of Canadian Dental Association describes them as claw-like growths, which grow at the back of a child’s teeth. These normally occur on the front edge of the mouth at the rear part of the canines or incisors. It may cause dental problems, such as irritation of the tongue, cheeks, and gums, malocclusion, teeth crowding, and plaque accumulation between the cusps and host teeth.
In some cases, the cusp may contain tooth pulp; therefore, it should be treated carefully. The best treatment is achieved by grinding down the pulp. However, if the cusp contains pulp, a root canal may be recommended.
Germinated Teeth
Tooth germination is similar to tooth fusion and it normally occurs when two teeth grow from one tooth bud, resulting in an extraordinarily large or disfigured tooth that contains double tooth pulp chambers and a single root. This problem may result in other challenges, which include tooth decay, teeth overcrowding, and malocclusion, among others.
If the germinated tooth is not too wide, your dentist might recommend that you leave it to shed on its own. If it is a danger to the neighboring teeth, your dentist might recommend extraction.
Supernumerary Teeth (Hyperdontia)
This refers to having too many teeth than you should. These extra teeth can be found anywhere in the child’s mouth, but most cases involve just one extra tooth. Naturally, supernumerary teeth develop inside the gum; therefore, they do not erupt. This causes a delay in eruption of the other teeth and when they erupt, they are often crowded and crooked. While orthodontia maybe a compatible treatment option for supernumerary teeth, most dentists recommend extraction.
Anodontia
This genetic condition is extremely rare and it is characterized by missing teeth. While it can affect baby teeth, the most common occurrences are on permanent teeth. However, most dentists report cases of oligodontia or lack of six or more teeth and hypodontia or lack of one to six teeth. Beyond dentures and implants, there is nothing much dentists can do to correct anodontia. However, it needs to be done early to facilitate proper eating, speaking, oral health, the formation of facial structures, and self-esteem.
The above write-up is meant to increase your understanding of unusual dental health issues that may affect your child. However, it should not be a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or advice given to you by your dentist. Be sure to take your child to an experienced dentist as soon as you realize there is a problem. Regular dental visits are also important to detect and avoid problems as early as possible.