One missing adult tooth, is this common?

[thementalist]

DD is almost 12 and has all but one of her adult teeth.

The space where there is no adult tooth, still has a baby tooth firmly in place with no sign of it coming loose anytime soon (bottom right hand side molar). The dentist seems to think that there is not an adult tooth there, that it is missing, hence it not pushing the baby tooth out to make room.

Dentist suggested DD come back for an x-ray to see if there is an adult tooth in the gum, which we will do, and said if not the plan of action would be to just try to keep the baby tooth in as best condition as possible and hope that it lasts for a long time.

I was wondering if anyone else had any experience of this? I am thinking that with it being one of the teeth used for chewing it might cause some issues, although I suppose it might be less of an issue than having a missing front tooth? Who knows. So has anyone or their DCs had this and did the baby tooth last?

I am 31 and still have a baby tooth where an adult tooth never grew. It's smaller than the tooth on the other side but as its not visible without me showing anyone it has never bothered me. It's in great health and my dentist has seen people in their 50s with them still fine. As long as she looks after her teeth she will be fine with it.

Dd is 14 and has a missing pair of adult molars, bottom row, one on each side. Dentist said exactly what yours did, so she keeps them well clean and hopes they'll last as long as possible. They are smaller than the others but cause no bother. Instead of those, she had an extra one on the top, just to make up for it

I have 4 missing molars and no wisdom teeth. No issues ever and I am nearly 38. I had the four baby molars taken out at age 12 as they were sinking into the gum and then braces for 2 years to close gaps. No probs and the dentist still finds it unusual.

My sister has quite a few adult teeth missing. She is 41 and still has at least 6 baby teeth. The adult teeth just didnt develop.

Some of the baby teeth are getting past their best and false teeth or implants may be her only option.

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. Sounds like it could be fairly common, or at least not too unusual then. Her baby tooth seems like it is in pretty good condition so far, so long may it continue!

Also good to hear that you all haven't experienced any problems! DD currently thinks it's quite cool so at least she's happy!