Tooth retention: what it is, causes, and consequences

Tooth retention is a condition in which a tooth is fully formed but cannot erupt through the gum. This pathology occurs in both children and adults, most often affecting wisdom teeth and canines. The problem may go unnoticed for a long time, but in advanced cases, it leads to inflammation, damage to adjacent teeth, and aesthetic defects.

Causes of retention

Normally, a person should have 52 teeth: 20 deciduous and 32 permanent. If a tooth is delayed in the gums or bone, this may be due to a number of factors:

• Overcrowding — the presence of extra teeth that interfere with the growth of the main teeth.
• Incorrect position of the tooth germ.
• Abnormal tooth shape or size.
• Odontoid tumor — a benign tumor of dental tissue.
• Deformation of the jaw and dentition.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Weakened immunity or infections suffered at an early age.

Most often, it is the third molars (wisdom teeth) that are impacted, as there may simply not be enough space for them in the jaw. In second place are the canines, especially the upper ones, which play an important role in the formation of the bite.

Forms and diagnosis

Retention can be:

• Complete — the tooth is completely hidden under the gum and bone tissue.
• Partial — the tooth has partially erupted, but not completely.

A retained tooth may not be visible. Patients often complain of periodic pain, swelling, pressure, or inflammation of the gums. It is important to have an X-ray taken in time to determine the exact position of the tooth and the degree of its retention.

Possible complications

Without treatment, retention can lead to the following consequences:

• Displacement of adjacent teeth.
• Deformation of the bite.
• Destruction of the roots of adjacent teeth.
• Cysts and inflammation.
• Chronic pain and limited mouth opening.

Partial retention is especially dangerous: the part of the tooth that has erupted comes into contact with saliva and bacteria, which often causes pericoronitis — inflammation of the surrounding tissues.

Treatment and prevention

The treatment strategy depends on the patient's age, the location and degree of retention. The following approaches are possible:

• Observation — if the impacted tooth does not cause problems.
• Orthodontic treatment — installation of braces or special appliances.
• Surgical removal — performed in cases of inflammation, lack of space, or risk of damage.

Removal of an impacted tooth is a full-fledged operation that involves cutting the gums, releasing the tooth, and, if necessary, removing a section of bone.

Prevention includes:

• Regular checkups with a dentist from early childhood.
• Monitoring the timing of eruption.
• Timely treatment of jaw development abnormalities.
• Removal of temporary teeth only when indicated.

Tooth retention is not just a delay in growth, but a condition that can lead to serious consequences. The earlier the problem is detected, the higher the chance of preserving the health of the dentition. Regular visits to the dentist and paying close attention to the body's signals will help avoid complex interventions and preserve a beautiful smile.