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Tooth formation - delayed or absent

Definition

When a person's teeth grow in, they may be delayed or not occur at all.

Alternative Names

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 tooth

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:

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.

Sometimes, children or adults are missing teeth they never developed. Cosmetic or orthodontic dentistry can correct this problem.

Gallery

Gum biopsy
Gum biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of gingival (gum) tissue is removed for examination. The test is performed when examination of the mouth reveals abnormal-appearing gum tissue.
Development of baby teeth
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. Upper central incisors and upper lateral incisors erupt by 8 to 10 months. Upper canines (cuspids) erupt by 16 to 20 months. Upper first molars erupt by 15 to 21 months. Upper second molars erupt by 20 to 24 months. Lower central incisors erupt by 6 to 9 months. Lower lateral incisors erupt by 15 to 21 months. Lower canines (cuspids) erupt by 15 to 21 months. Lower first molars erupt by 15 to 21 months. Lower second molars erupt by 20 to 24 months.
Tooth anatomy
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.

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.

Last reviewed January 24, 2022 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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