Clinical Evaluation for Space Maintainer after Unilateral Loss of Primary First Molar in the Early Mixed Dentition Stage

Shahram Mosharrafian,Ali Baghalian,Mohammad Hassan Hamrah,Mojgan Kargar,Sivakumar Nuvvula

doi:10.1155/2021/3967164

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Controversy exists regarding the need for a space maintainer after early unilateral loss of a primary first molar. This study aimed to assess the need for a space maintainer after unilateral loss of a primary first molar in the early mixed dentition period. Materials and Methods. In this cross-sectional study, fifty children between 6 and 8 years who had lost a primary first molar unilaterally later than 6 months ago were randomly selected. Midline deviation, molar and canine relationships at both sides, facial growth pattern, and the amount of space loss were all assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 via the one-sample t-test, paired t-test, and linear regression (alpha = 0.05). Results. The mean amount of space loss was 1.36 ± 0.78 mm (1.32 mm in the maxilla and 1.40 mm in the mandible). Time since tooth extraction and facial pattern had significant correlations with space loss (P < 0.05). Conclusion. In this particular age group, it is imperative to precisely assess the related factors such as the facial pattern and time since tooth extraction to decide about the placement of a space maintainer for a prematurely lost primary first molar.

Highlights

Exfoliation of primary teeth and eruption of permanent teeth are normal physiological processes that often occur simultaneously at a specific age
Not much controversy exists regarding the need for placement of a space maintainer after primary second molar loss, the need for space maintenance and clinical management of space after early loss of primary first molar is a highly debated topic [5]
Not much controversy exists regarding the need for placement of a space maintainer after primary second molar loss, the need for space maintenance and clinical management of space after early loss of a primary first molar is a highly debated topic. us, this study was carried out to address this topic and evaluate the role of different factors in this respect

Summary

Introduction

Exfoliation of primary teeth and eruption of permanent teeth are normal physiological processes that often occur simultaneously at a specific age. Mesial drifting of the teeth located distal to the lost tooth is greater following the loss of a primary second molar than a primary first molar. Distal drifting of the teeth located mesial to the lost tooth is more common following the loss of a primary first molar compared with a primary second molar [4]. Controversy exists regarding the need for a space maintainer after early unilateral loss of a primary first molar. Is study aimed to assess the need for a space maintainer after unilateral loss of a primary first molar in the early mixed dentition period. In this particular age group, it is imperative to precisely assess the related factors such as the facial pattern and time since tooth extraction to decide about the placement of a space maintainer for a prematurely lost primary first molar

Objectives

Results

Conclusion