Tooth formation - delayed or absent
Delayed or absent tooth formation; Teeth - delayed or absent formation; Oligodontia; Anodontia; Hypodontia; Delayed dental development; Delayed tooth eruption; Late tooth eruption; Delayed dental eruption; Congenitally missing toothWhen a person's teeth grow in, they may be delayed or not occur at all.
Considerations
The age at which a tooth comes in varies. Most infants get their first tooth between 4 and 8 months, but it may be earlier or later.
Causes
Specific diseases can affect tooth shape, tooth color, when they grow in, or tooth absence. Delayed or absent tooth formation can result from many different conditions, including:
- Apert syndrome
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Cleidocranial dysostosis
Cleidocranial dysostosis
Cleidocranial dysostosis is a disorder involving the abnormal development of bones in the skull and collar (clavicle) area.
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Ectodermal dysplasia
Ectodermal dysplasia
Ectodermal dysplasias is a group of conditions in which there is abnormal development of the skin, hair, nails, teeth, or sweat glands.
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Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects bone growth.
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Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid....
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Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder in which the parathyroid glands in the neck do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH).
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Incontinentia pigmenti achromians
Incontinentia pigmenti achromians
Hypomelanosis of Ito (HMI) is a very rare birth defect that causes unusual patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) skin and may be associated with e...
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Progeria
Progeria
Progeria is a rare genetic condition that produces rapid aging in children.
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Talk to your health care provider if your child has not developed any teeth by 9 months of age.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The provider will perform a physical exam. This will include a detailed look at your child's mouth and gums. You will be asked questions such as:
- In what order did the teeth emerge?
- At what age did other family members develop teeth?
- Are any other family members missing teeth that never "came in"?
- What other symptoms are present?
An infant with delayed or absent tooth formation may have other symptoms and signs that indicate a specific medical condition.
Medical tests are not often needed. Most of the time, delayed tooth formation is normal. Dental x-rays may be done.
Dental x-rays
Dental x-rays are a type of image of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation. The x-rays penetrate the body...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSometimes, children or adults are missing teeth they never developed. Cosmetic or orthodontic dentistry can correct this problem.
References
Dhar V. Development and developmental anomalies of the teeth. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 333.
Dinneen L, Slovis TL. The mandible. In: Coley BD, ed. Caffey's Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 22.
Turner EG, Dean JA. Eruption of the teeth: local, systemic, and congenital factors that influence the process. In: Dean JA, ed. McDonald and Avery's Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent. 11th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 20.
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Tooth anatomy - illustration
The structure of the tooth includes dentin, pulp and other tissues, blood vessels and nerves imbedded in the bony jaw. Above the gum line, the tooth is protected by the hard enamel covering.
Tooth anatomy
illustration
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Development of baby teeth - illustration
Both baby teeth (deciduous or milk teeth) and permanent teeth have fairly well-defined times of eruption. The ages listed are the normal ages that a baby tooth emerges.
Ages that a baby tooth emerges
TYPE OF TOOTH UPPER TOOTH ERUPTS BY LOWER TOOTH ERUPTS BY Central incisor 8-10 Months 6-9 Months Lateral incisor 8-10 Months 15-21 Months Canine (Cuspid) 16-20 Months 15-21 Months First molar 15-21 Months 15-21 Months Second molar 20-24 Months 20-24 Months Development of baby teeth
illustration
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Development of permanent teeth - illustration
Both baby and permanent teeth have fairly well-defined times of eruption. The ages listed are the typical ages that permanent teeth fully emerge.
Ages that permanent teeth emerge
TYPE OF TOOTH UPPER TOOTH ERUPTS BY LOWER TOOTH ERUPTS BY Central incisor 7-8 years 6-7 years Lateral incisor 8-9 years 7-8 years Canine (Cuspid) 11-12 years 9-10 years First premolar (first bicuspid) 10-11 years 10-12 years Second premolar (second bicuspid) 10-12 years 11-12 years First molar 6-7 years 6-7 years Second molar 12-13 years 11-13 years Third molar (wisdom teeth) 17-21 years 17-21 years Development of permanent teeth
illustration
-
Tooth anatomy - illustration
The structure of the tooth includes dentin, pulp and other tissues, blood vessels and nerves imbedded in the bony jaw. Above the gum line, the tooth is protected by the hard enamel covering.
Tooth anatomy
illustration
-
Development of baby teeth - illustration
Both baby teeth (deciduous or milk teeth) and permanent teeth have fairly well-defined times of eruption. The ages listed are the normal ages that a baby tooth emerges.
Ages that a baby tooth emerges
TYPE OF TOOTH UPPER TOOTH ERUPTS BY LOWER TOOTH ERUPTS BY Central incisor 8-10 Months 6-9 Months Lateral incisor 8-10 Months 15-21 Months Canine (Cuspid) 16-20 Months 15-21 Months First molar 15-21 Months 15-21 Months Second molar 20-24 Months 20-24 Months Development of baby teeth
illustration
-
Development of permanent teeth - illustration
Both baby and permanent teeth have fairly well-defined times of eruption. The ages listed are the typical ages that permanent teeth fully emerge.
Ages that permanent teeth emerge
TYPE OF TOOTH UPPER TOOTH ERUPTS BY LOWER TOOTH ERUPTS BY Central incisor 7-8 years 6-7 years Lateral incisor 8-9 years 7-8 years Canine (Cuspid) 11-12 years 9-10 years First premolar (first bicuspid) 10-11 years 10-12 years Second premolar (second bicuspid) 10-12 years 11-12 years First molar 6-7 years 6-7 years Second molar 12-13 years 11-13 years Third molar (wisdom teeth) 17-21 years 17-21 years Development of permanent teeth
illustration
Review Date: 1/24/2022
Reviewed By: Michael Kapner, DDS, General Dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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