Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
If your child's adult incisors are coming in, you may notice that these teeth look bumpy, serrated, or even chipped. Unless your child was involved in an accident that you're unaware of, there's actually no cause for concern. These bumps are called dental mamelons and are totally normal. Read on to learn what they are, what they say about your child's orthodontic situation, and how they can be removed.
What Are Mamelons?
When your child's adult incisors start to form underneath gum tissue, cells such as odontoblasts develop three different lobes. As a tooth develops, the lobes merge together and develop into enamel and dentin. However, on the tops of incisors, you can still see evidence of three separate lobes (mamelons), even though the rest of the tooth is joined together.
How Are They Used in Orthodontic Diagnosis?
You may have noticed these bumps on your children's teeth because adults typically don't have them. Since mamelons are thin and uneven, they tend to wear away as you use your teeth for chewing. Don't worry, this isn't a bad thing. Your child's enamel won't be damaged and they won't get cavities from the mamelon's natural wear.
One thing to keep in mind though, is that mamelons can show you and your dentist if your child's teeth are properly aligned. If mamelons have worn off on one side and not the other, your child may have some malocclusion or jaw issue. Some teens and young adults still have their mamelons because of an overbite. Since their front teeth don't touch, the mamelons never wear away.
If you notice mamelons in an older child, you may want to ask a dentist about possible orthodontic treatment.
How Are They Removed?
Again, mamelons are harmless; but, some people don't like their unevenness and decide to remove them for cosmetic reasons.
If your child is self-conscious and doesn't want to wait, the orthodontist can easily remove them down in one sitting. This process is a lighter version of tooth shaping and contouring. Like that procedure, your child will not need anesthetic. The dentist will use a sanding drill to even things out. Your child may feel a tickling sensation as the dentist works, but the procedure doesn't hurt. If your child's teeth are particularly sensitive, then this may take more than one appointment.
If your child is receiving orthodontic treatment, those corrections should help the front teeth line up. Once the teeth are in proper placement, the mamelons will wear down naturally. Some orthodontists may include this service free of charge if you've already invested in orthodontic appliances.
For more information, contact Bracker Susan or a similar dental professional.
Share24 February 2015
