What happens during replacement?
Baby teeth are replaced and additional molars erupt.
← All explanationsTooth replacement
Why can a new molar appear without a loose tooth?
During tooth replacement, permanent teeth gradually replace baby teeth. Additional permanent molars also erupt. Both sets coexist for a time: the mixed dentition. Timing and sequence vary, so a rigid age deadline is not a reliable measure.
For dental trainees & teams
AI-generated
Choose a view
Two generations together
Baby and permanent teeth share the mouth during the mixed dentition. The larger new incisors can look unfamiliar at first.
Something new at the back
First permanent molars often erupt around school-entry age behind the baby molars. No lost tooth announces them: remember to reach them when brushing.
Development rather than a deadline
Check-ups consider space, sequence and differences between sides. A tooth that remains absent, pain or marked asymmetry calls for targeted assessment.
At a glance
When does it begin?
Often around school-entry age, with individual variation.
What should be checked?
Space, eruption sequence, cleaning and unusual delays.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.
Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above
Often confused
Eruption or replacement?
Eruption means a tooth enters the mouth. Replacement means a permanent tooth takes the place of a baby tooth. Permanent molars erupt without replacing baby teeth.
Quick answers
Should a loose baby tooth be pulled?
Do not force it. Many baby teeth fall out naturally. Pain, difficulty eating or uncertainty about progress is a reason for dental assessment.
Why is a new tooth behind a baby tooth?
Two rows may be visible temporarily during eruption. Whether observation is enough depends on looseness, available space and the direction of eruption.
Are permanent teeth more yellow?
They can look darker beside very pale baby teeth. New unusual marks, rough areas or symptoms should still be assessed; colour alone does not explain everything.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Does tooth replacement fit my child’s developmental stage, and what should we focus on when brushing now?
Symptoms, examination findings and personal wishes form the basis of individual treatment planning.
A tooth is late or in an unusual position? Its development can be assessed.
Discuss dental developmentChoose an appointment on DoctolibLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Mixed dentition
- Baby and permanent teeth present together.
- Six-year molar
- The first permanent molar; the name indicates an approximate eruption age.
- Eruption
- A tooth emerging into the mouth.
Know the difference
Dental age describes the developmental stage of the dentition. It does not always match chronological age exactly.
Sources and context
Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.