The phenomenon of adult dentition erupting lingually to retained primary teeth is a common occurrence in pediatric dentistry. This situation arises when the permanent successors do not resorb the roots of the deciduous predecessors adequately, leading to the persistence of the primary teeth even as the permanent teeth emerge. A frequent site for this eruption pattern is the lower incisor region, where the developing permanent incisors appear behind the existing baby teeth.
The implications of this eruption anomaly are multifaceted. If left unaddressed, it can lead to malocclusion, crowding, and potential periodontal issues. The presence of two rows of teeth can hinder proper oral hygiene, increasing the risk of caries and gingivitis. Historically, extraction of the primary teeth has been the standard intervention to facilitate the correct positioning of the permanent teeth. Early intervention is often beneficial in guiding the permanent teeth into their proper alignment, potentially minimizing the need for future orthodontic treatment.
