WHILE MOST PEOPLE HAVE thirty-two permanent teeth that develop (including the wisdom teeth), some people’s permanent teeth never grow in at all. These are called congenitally missing teeth—teeth missing from birth—and it’s actually more common than you think!

The teeth most common to be congenitally missing are 3rd molars (wisdom teeth), upper lateral incisors, and lower second premolars.  Not a problem when you’re missing those pesky wisdom teeth, but a big problem when you’re missing one of your front teeth.  So, what do you do if you find out your child has one or more congenitally missing teeth?

Why Would a Tooth Be Congenitally Missing?


What Kinds of Treatments Are There for Missing Teeth?

Depending on your unique situation and personal preference, your Portland dentist will recommend one or a combination of these treatments:




Further down the road as your child gets older, we will discuss options to fill in the space (and be completed by a general dentist)….


At the office of Dr. Eddie Lopez, Portland pediatric dentist, we want to help you identify any of these issues ASAP. We’ll solve the puzzle and prepare for how we’re going to fix this common problem.  See you soon!  

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