Should I Get My Baby Tooth Pulled?

Updated on August 13, 2009
S.L. asks from Cranford, NJ
15 answers

Hey ! I'm not a mom but I was wondering if anyone can help me out. I am 17. A couple years ago. When I was 14 or 15, my dentist told me I had a baby tooth left and the adult tooth was above it. He told me we could leave leave it or if problems happen he'll pull it. Anyways... That baby tooth bleeds and hurts a lot when I floss. I don't floss everyday but it realllllyyy hurts when I do. Now I really want to get it pulled but I'm 17 and I really don't want a huge gap in my mouth. Also I would have to get the grown up tooth pulled down.
So here are my questions?

If I get my baby tooth pulled, will I need to have braces to get my grown up tooth pulled down?
Or do I have to wait for it to come down on its own?
Does anyone know the estimate for this type of procedure?

Any info will help. Thank You !

**Thanks for all the help. Its actually the second tooth from my front 2 teeth. And I'ts smaller since its a baby tooth and it kind of throws of the balance of my teeth. Lol. Also I have a dark circular mark above it which is odd. But I will def. talk to my dentist.

Thanks alot guys! I'll put a link so you can see.

http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m114/angelize92/?actio...

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L.H.

answers from New York on

Get it pulled so it doesn't cause problems later on. I had a baby tooth that came out too late. It didn't come out, so the adult tooth grew in behind it. I wound up getting braces, because it caused a cross bite that led to a painful jaw.

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J.M.

answers from New York on

Discuss this with your parents and the dentist. Point out how much it hurts and that it bleeds when you floss. And after the discussion then you all can make a decision.

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A.H.

answers from New York on

my neice had a baby tooth taken out at 16.. and it left a gap.. the big tooth wasn't up there.. so she had to have a false tooth put in.. i know if it's up there.. they try to pull it down.. ask a pediatric dentist all these questions or a dentist that pulls teeth so that you know the answers.. because everyones mouth is different.. good luck get it done while your young.. i waited to have my wisdom teeth out at 40!!! it was terrible because the teeth were really wedged inby then... do it while you are young..

C.M.

answers from New York on

Why not call your dentist and get him to advise you on this?
Don't you think he would know best what to do? He can even tell you how much it would cost.

"Grams"
from the Pocono Mts. of PA

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N.T.

answers from New York on

More than likely whether to extract the tooth now or not is moot. The root is more than likely is in the process of resorbing,thus the remaining crown portion of the tooth is being held in by gum tissue. Thus the tooth will fall out soon by itself. A simple x-ray would determine this for sure. Many dentists will give you an opinion after viewing the radiograph. Whether the adult tooth under the baby tooth will erupt on its own, probably can be answered by viewing the same radiograph. Many general dentist have associated orthodontists,that they refer to that could give you an opinion as whether braces would be necessary as well as a cost estimate. Many times this is done with little or no cost for this consult. Best regards ____@____.com!

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E.L.

answers from New York on

Hi S.,
I nderstand your your situation. Iam experienced Registered Dental Hygienist with an extensive background.I would say that first you would need an Icat - which is a more diagnostic image that would first diagnose what position the impacted adult tooth is in ,inorder to say if it would A,come down(which prob it wont,cause it didnt already)B. if it can be brought down with braces.C.If not possible due to its position,that it would be extracted (the adult tooth) and place an implant. In the interm you would have a temp REMOVABLE appliance to replace the tooth for esthetics.It would be your best LONG TERM situation.If you were my sister this is what I would rec. and have seen what works the best. You may have to wait for healing and wear the appliance for some time.or maybe not - sometimes they can make temp bridges that can be cemeted in place(depends on other teeth surrounding and wear this tooth is located).But your best LONG TERM INVESTMENT and OPTION would be to extract and Implant the are.oposed to trying ortho to move tooth down and possibly not succeding in that and being back to square one.Any onther questions let me know-
Best Doctor to have this evaluated and has this Icat- is Dr Richard Mercurio- ###-###-#### Lincroft NJ.He is excellent has a 98% percent success rate and will tell you honestly what to do.He and his staff is caring/professional and his techniques are aseptic. I used to work for him and know this first hand.-Good luck Hope this helped!(bring questions when you go to any doctor)

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T.L.

answers from Syracuse on

I am 33 and still have two baby teeth. I never had any adult teeth to push them out. The dentist gave me the option of leaving them alone or pulling them. I am so glad to have just left them alone. They are more sensitive than my other teeth and sometimes I wish they were gone but overall I think going thru the procedures to get rid of them and replace or move things around would have been much harder. I just don't see any reason to pull out healthy teeth then potentially cause more trouble later.

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J.M.

answers from New York on

Just figured I would let you know...I had a similar situation when I was younger. I had to get 2 baby teeth pulled and then, yes, I did get braces. But I do have a great smile now!

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D.S.

answers from New York on

The same thing happened to my daughter, however she was 7 when the dentist suggested we pull the baby tooth because it was preventing the permanent tooth from coming in. I have never heard of a dentist recommending a baby tooth remain if it was preventing a permanent tooth from coming down. I would get another opinion but I am leaning towards having the tooth pulled.

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D.

answers from New York on

My bff had this same problem. The problem with not having it pulled, the baby tooth will eventually fuse to the bone and then it can't be removed ever. They will use braces to pull the adult tooth down into place. It's really not big a deal, and most orthodontist do payment plans so you don't have to pay all at once.

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A.D.

answers from New York on

Hi S.! Many times I wanted to change my name to S. when my kids called mommy too many times:-) I think your question is one (or 2) for the dentist. I think you must have the tooth pulled so the other can come down. So what if you have a gap or a while. It can be a conversation starter! I guess I'm not 17 but get something done and good luck! Grandma Mary

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L.W.

answers from Jamestown on

The bleeding is caused by not flossing everyday. It will bleed less if you floss everyday and the pain mightevenually go away L.

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N.B.

answers from Jamestown on

As any baby tooth, the adult tooth would move in its place after it's pulled.

I wouldn't think you would need braces just for that.

I'd get it pulled if it's causing you so much pain and trouble.

Nanc

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K.H.

answers from New York on

I don't know the answers to these questions. Perhaps there is a dentist on the list who would know. I think your best bet is to make an appointment with your dentist and has him/her what they think. Best of luck!

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K.H.

answers from Albany on

I would call a local dentist or two and see what they charge for this. Usually to have a tooth pulled it can run anywhere from 100-500 or so depending on how much work is involved. It shouldn't be that expensive if it's a baby tooth and already down.

My nephew had this and he had to have the baby tooth pulled down or the other tooth can't come down. If the baby tooth is pulled, you might not need the adult tooth pulled down. It may come down on it's own. I suspect that is what is happening now- it's trying to come down but the other tooth is there and that is why you are having problems.
You may need braces to pull it down and that will definitely be more expensive. Do you have any insurance? If not, I would look into options for dental insurance- you can buy it on it's own a lot or look into a Medicaid program if you are eligible.

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