Dentists - tell me about submerged molars please?

[IShallWearMidnight]

DD is 14 and has two submerged molars, she's been referred to the orthodontist at the hospital, but I can't find much information online about what the treatment is likely to be, and how long it will go on for. From what I've managed to find, it's quite a rare thing to have?

I assume they'll need to come out - will it be under a GA, or a local, or does that depend? And will she have braces to pull the other teeth closer to fill the gap, or are crowns standard?

And is it my fault for not having taken her to the dentist for a few years, and not having noticed those baby teeth hadn't come out ?

[disclaimer] all family dental health now up to date (apart from me cos I'm no longer NHS, and I need quite a lot of stuff doing and am terrified of the shiney pointy thing that Makes Holes In Your Teeth...).

Bumping for nice MN dentists who don't prod holes in people's teeth [needy]

maybe I've offended all dentists with talk of the shiney pointy thing? Or are submerged molars really that rare? Anyone?

anyone?

Only she's had a really shitty time recently with medical stuff and doctors who were useless (and lots who were well-meaning, but couldn't/wouldn't help, and finally some who were great), and I need this teeth thing to be as clear a process as possible for her, as she doesn't deal well with completely unknown medical/hospital things .

Enough of a guilt trip for any dentists ? I'm sure you are all luffly honestly...

Hi OP, here I am! well first of all can you confirm which teeth they are? I assume they are her primary teeth?

yes, baby teeth, bottom jaw, first set of molars as you count along from the front.

Right ok, well the normal treatment is to extract the submerged molars. If the premolars have not erupted this may create enough space for them to erupt. Considering her age it is likely that she will need orthodontic treatment to either create space/close gaps as needed. Do you know if any teeth are unerupted? Extractions of this type will often be done under GA but you and your DD will discuss this with the consultant and come up with the method you feel happiest with. Crowns are not usually needed but bridges may sometimes be considered as an alternative to orthodontic treatment to fill any gaps.

Thanks!
Not sure if anything is unerupted, DH took her to the dentist and didn't ask enough questions.
I suppose we'll just have to wait and see what they say at the hospital.

Funnily enough dads don't usually ask that many questions! I hope everything goes ok at the hospital, it can be helpful to write a list of the questions you want to ask so that you don't forget whilst you're there. Good luck with everything and tell your DD not to worry

Oh and feel free to pm me if you have any questions after the appointment.

will take you up on that!