Natal teeth are a rare but natural occurrence where a baby is born with one or more teeth already present. These teeth, usually found on the lower front gums, can surprise parents and raise concerns about feeding, oral health, and future dental development. Understanding natal teeth and how they are managed can help ensure the baby’s comfort and well-being.
What Are Natal Teeth?
Natal teeth are teeth that are present at birth, differing from neonatal teeth, which erupt within the first 30 days of life. These teeth are uncommon, occurring in approximately 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 births.
Causes of Natal Teeth
The exact reason why some babies are born with natal teeth is not always clear, but some contributing factors include:
Genetics: A family history of natal teeth.
Associated Syndromes: Conditions like Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, Pierre Robin sequence, or Sotos syndrome.
Prenatal Development: Unique growth patterns leading to early tooth eruption.
Types of Natal Teeth
Natal teeth can be categorized into four types:
1. Fully developed with strong root support.
2. Loose and underdeveloped, lacking strong root structures.
3. Small, partially erupted teeth with minimal growth.
4. Teeth that are not visible but can be felt under the gums.
Concerns Related to Natal Teeth
Breastfeeding Challenges: The teeth may cause discomfort or injury to the mother during nursing.
Tongue Injury (Riga-Fede Disease): The baby’s tongue may develop ulcers due to friction.
Aspiration Risk: If the tooth is loose, it could become a choking hazard.
Handling Natal Teeth: A Unique Approach at Vanilla Smiles
At Vanilla Smiles, our approach to natal tooth extraction is different from traditional methods.
Conventional Method vs. Vanilla Smiles’ Approach
In traditional extractions, forceps are used to grip the tooth shell. However, this increases the risk of tooth fracture, leaving behind residual tooth fragments or tissue, which can lead to recurrence or further tissue growth.
At Vanilla Smiles, we use laser extraction, which ensures the entire tooth is removed in one piece, leaving no residues.
Why Laser Comes to the Rescue in Natal Tooth Extraction
Better Wound Healing: The laser promotes faster and more effective healing of the extraction site.
Better Hemostasis: Bleeding is controlled more efficiently, reducing discomfort and improving recovery.
Superior Mucoperiosteal Elevation: The laser allows for precise elevation of the mucoperiosteal flap, ensuring complete removal without leaving remnants of the apical papilla.
Prevents Tooth Shell Crackling: Unlike forceps, which can cause the shell of the natal tooth to crack, the laser method ensures smooth removal.
Complete Removal of Apical Papilla: The natal tooth is extracted along with the apical papilla, preventing any leftover tissue that could lead to complications or regrowth.
Ensuring Safe Extraction: The Role of Vitamin K
Newborns have lower levels of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting.
If a baby has not received their routine vitamin K injection, a vitamin K dose may be administered at least six hours prior to the planned extraction.
This ensures better clotting, reduces the risk of excessive bleeding, and promotes a smooth recovery after the procedure.
Follow-Up and Immediate Results
Two-Hour Post-Operative Follow-Up: At Vanilla Smiles Dental Clinic in Pune, we ensure immediate follow-up after the procedure.
No Post-Operative Discomfort: The infant shows no signs of pain or discomfort within two hours of the procedure.
Successful Breastfeeding: The baby is observed to be exclusively breastfeeding without any difficulty, showing a smooth recovery.
What to Expect After Extraction?
The baby’s mouth will heal quickly with proper care.
Parents receive guidance on feeding adjustments and oral hygiene.
Regular follow-ups help track healing and prevent potential issues.
Conclusion
While natal teeth are rare, they can be managed effectively with the right approach. At Vanilla Smiles, we prioritize a safe and advanced laser extraction technique, ensuring:
✔ Pain-free procedure
✔ Residue-free removal
✔ Faster healing
✔ No post-operative discomfort
✔ Exclusive breastfeeding success within hours
✔ Proper preoperative care, including vitamin K administration when needed
Our follow-up consultations ensure that your child’s oral health is well-monitored even after the procedure.
If your baby is born with natal teeth, schedule a consultation with us at Vanilla Smiles for expert guidance, safe treatment, and continued care.
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Address: Soni Capital, 2nd Floor, Near Shreyas Hotel, 1237, Apte Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411004 India
