DD10 still missing top incisor

[HarryPottedHistory]

Hello, hoping that someone can offer some advice.

My DD is ten and about to start year 6. She is still missing one of her top front teeth and there's currently no sign of the adult tooth making an appearance. The milk tooth that was there came out around a year ago and the tooth next to it is a fully emerged adult tooth, so the gap is quite obvious.

No-one mentions it, but I know my DD is becoming quite self-conscious, and I'm starting to panic a little as she'll be off to secondary school in just over a year and I don't want her to get picked on or mocked because of it.

I recently phoned our dentist to ask for advice on this, but was told by the receptionist that it will just come through in its own time. DD was meant to have a routine check-up in May, but this was cancelled due to Covid-19, and I was told that they're only seeing emergency appointments at the moment.

Is there anything I can do?! Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you. XX

My DD had the same thing ... dentist took an x-ray in a check up appt, it was there ready to go and appeared before her next appt when she was 11.5yo. Just get it checked at next appt, should be fine.

Thank you, glad to hear that someone else has had the same experience. She's had an x-ray previously and there is a tooth there, but it's just taking an age to emerge!
Thanks for replying x

She needs a referral to a dental hospital or paediatric community specialist to work out why it's not come through yet.
There's lots of reasons why this could be - if nothing is showing on radiograph it needs to be investigated further.
Call your dentist and ask for a paediatric referral. Dont take any shit from the receptionist (or even the dental nurse) - they arnt qualified to make that call.

Don't worry too much - mostly easily fixable but does need a proper diagnosis and plan.

@Arrowcat good advice, thank you. I'll do that x

DD had a canine that didn’t emerge. Had an x ray and it was in her gum but at the wrong angle. She was referred for minor surgery to attach a tiny chain and bracket that was attached to a brace. Over a year the canine was pulled into position. Amazing really.

@Benjispruce2 Hi, thanks for your reply.

Since my original post, I've spoken to DD's dentist who checked her dental records and has referred her to an orthodontist (unfortunately it could take around 9-12 months to see them due to Covid-related delays, etc, but it's a start).

The dentist was helpful on the phone and described the exact procedure you mentioned as being the likely course of action. Fingers crossed! 🤞🏼

Hope your DD is sorted now xx

Oh good. You have time on your side. My DD was 13/13 when x ray was done so she’s about to enter 6th form in braces! They should’ve been off this summer but due to covid we haven’t been since Jan! The whole procedure seemed so long winded but in her case the tooth came within a year once the op was done. This was fine and done as a day case in hospital. There was another girl at DD’s school with the same gap so that helped. Most children seem to have braces at 12/13/14 so your DD should be in good company. Good luck.