After a baby tooth falls out, a permanent tooth usually takes about three months to grow in. This timing can vary depending on the type of tooth, and front teeth may take longer, sometimes between six months and one year. Permanent teeth do not grow back once lost in adulthood, but this timeline applies to children losing baby teeth.
If more than three months pass after a baby tooth falls out and no new tooth appears, it is important to have the child checked by a dentist. This is especially important if there are symptoms like tooth pain, gum changes, or bad breath. The dentist will consider the child’s age and dental development and may recommend a panoramic dental X-ray, which is usually done after age six, to see if the tooth is present and properly positioned.
Delays can happen if the baby tooth fell out too early, if there is no permanent tooth to replace it, or if there is not enough space in the mouth for the tooth to come in. In some cases, the tooth may be located in a different area of the jaw and needs imaging to be identified.
Regular dental checkups are recommended, and care from a dentist or pediatric dentist is important to guide proper treatment and protect long-term oral health.