Yes, untreated decay or early loss of a baby tooth can directly affect the permanent tooth developing beneath it. This is why consistent children's dentistry in Centennial is crucial to protecting your child's future smile.
Early Tooth Loss Can Cause Crowding
Primary (or “baby”) teeth hold space for the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth around it can drift and shift into the open space. This can leave insufficient room for the permanent tooth to grow into, leading to crowding or misalignment that requires orthodontic treatment later.
If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely, a space maintainer may be recommended to preserve room for the permanent tooth until it's ready to erupt.
Infections Can Reach the Developing Tooth
Permanent teeth form very close to the roots of the primary teeth above them. An untreated abscess or severe cavity in a baby tooth isn't isolated to that tooth alone. It can affect the permanent tooth bud underneath, potentially damaging how it develops or erupts.
Children's Dentistry in Centennial, CO
Regular checkups allow your dentist to identify and treat small issues in baby teeth before they impact the teeth developing beneath them.
If you have concerns about decay or premature loss in your child's baby teeth, or if it's just time for a checkup, contact Dr. Michael Franquemont and our gentle, caring team to schedule an appointment.