Question:  My son started getting teeth when he was 6 months old. But, one of his front teeth never came down. It has been more than a year now and almost all of his other teeth have come in, but still this one is missing. He had an 2 x-rays recently, 3 months apart, which showed that the only change was that the root of that tooth is more fully formed. Our dentist said that the gum would have to be cut to let the tooth come in. My own dentist said to just ignore it, until his adult teeth start to come in. The oral surgeon we visited said that he\'d never seen this and didn\'t know what the right answer was. Except that he wanted an pediatric anethesiologist to be there (i.e.-at the hospital). So, what should I do? Treat it while the window of opportunity is still open for the root of the tooth? Ignore it and hope that it comes in, or at least doesn\'t cause a problem when his adult teeth come?

Pediatric Dentist Guru: Without examining your son and reviewing the radiographs, I cannot make an appropriate recommendation. It looks like you have received a few consultations from different specialties.  You need to fully understand your treatment options before making a decision.  I think that careful monitoring of the tooth is necessary. I wish I could be more helpful.  You are more than welcome to schedule an appointment at our practice so that I can provide you with a recommendation.