22-month old missing his lateral incisor?

**Lizzie**

I am currently researching pediatric dentists right now, but wanted to get a heads up on what to expect, in case some of your kiddos have experienced this.  My 22-month old has his 2 top/bottom teeth, upper lateral incisors (teeth next to middle upper teeth), 4 molars, and 1 lateral bottom incisor that came in about 3 months ago.  He's missing one bottom incisor and his canine teeth (which I'm not so worried about).  Anyone else?  What does this mean?  Dreading going to the dentist!!!!

rosesandpeonies

IT might be nothing or maybe the other teeth are too close that it is not allowing it to erupt?  I have no idea but don't dread the dentist Im sure it will end up being just fine no matter what it is. 

When did he start getting teeth?

My 15 month old only has teeth on one side of her mouth lol.  He may just need time to get his teeth.

I am not a dentist but don't get too upset. 

quidditchcapn1120

A lateral incisor is the most commonly missing tooth next to a wisdom tooth.  If it turns out there is no baby lateral incisor, it automatically means that no permanent lateral will form (since they arise from the baby tooth bud).  Don't be afraid to go to the dentist- it is REALLY easy.  At this point, they probably won't try to take an x-ray or anything, and will likely just do a knee-lap exam.  As a soon-to-be pediatric dentist, I have an obligation to say, please take LO to the dentist!  They will make sure there are no other developmental abnormalities (VERY rarely, missing teeth can signify a developmental disorder).  Good luck!

**Lizzie**

Thank you so much for the info. I will be calling in the morning.  Can you specify what you mean re: developmental disorder?  Like, oral developmental disorders (of which I would know nothing about) or developmental disorder, as in autism spectrum?  Have you ever seen later incisors come in so late?

quidditchcapn1120

**Lizzie**:

Thank you so much for the info. I will be calling in the morning.  Can you specify what you mean re: developmental disorder?  Like, oral developmental disorders (of which I would know nothing about) or developmental disorder, as in autism spectrum?  Have you ever seen later incisors come in so late?

There are VERY rare developmental disorders that can be the cause of missing teeth.  Autism is not one of them, so don't be worried in the slightest.  IF the lateral is actually missing, it's most likely just an anomaly in tooth development- not general development.  One of the rare disorders that cause missing teeth is ectodermal dysplasia, for example.  However, you would most likely already noticed symptoms of this- sparse hair, missing eyebrows, etc.  In the end, I wouldn't worry too much about the missing incisor (if it is actually missing and not just delayed in coming in).

 If it is missing, he can have orthodontics in the future to close space (if there is a space) and after age 18 he could get a bridge or implant if the space hasn't been closed with orthodontics.  Did you know that Tom Cruise is missing a lateral incisor?  And I think he is doing ok in life without it.   

mac219

Thanks for posting this.  My son is almost 21 months and missing a lower lateral incisor, too!  I'm starting to worry that there may not be a tooth there to come up.  Does anyone know how late they could come in?  I've looked online but every chart varies and it seems like they should be in by now.  

=Lee=B

Interesting thread!  My first thought was just wait a bit.  My daughter's teeth came in in a funky order as did my nephews.  My 16month old got her molars long before some other teeth...even the lower lateral incisors. 

But, if there is a chance they are missing then a visit to a dentist can only help. 

Somewhat related but in reverse, as a 30 something year old I still have a baby tooth (the one you are talking about).  I love when I get a new dentist and they do the initial xrays...they are not expecting to find baby teeth in my mouth :-)  One baby tooth fell out a good 5 years ago and there is no adult tooth to come in so I have a gap...but it's back by the molars (the tooth you are talking about as well) and isn't seen.  Someday I'll to the implant but i'm too lazy.

Doubletrouble12

I wouldn't worry too much! I actually never got my 12 year molar on my left side. The dentist said just think of it as one less tooth to worry about getting a cavity in

cautionwillburneyes

My kid is missing both lower lateral incisors.  I'm not terribly worried.  His development is right on target in all other ways.

sghassemidmd