Clinical evaluation of short term space variation following premature loss of primary second molar, at early permanent dentition stage

Abstract

PurposeThe present study aimed at determining whether the premature loss of a deciduous second molar results in a clinically relevant loss of space and arch length reduction.MethodsSplit mouth evaluation of approximately 32 patients at early permanent dentition stage with unilateral premature loss of the deciduous second molar either in the upper arch or the lower arch. The contra lateral side with no tooth loss served as controls. Dental models and radiographs were obtained. The space in the extraction site and control sides were measured and analyzed for space loss and eruption stage of premolars in three weeks time frame.Results and conclusionThe mean combined space before second primary molar extraction was 25.04 mm (±4.25), while the average space post extraction was 24.61 (±4.27) and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01). Furthermore, neither subject’s age, nor successor premolar eruption stage were found to be correlated significantly with the amount of space loss (P-values 0.989 and 0.811, respectively). Space loss after premature extraction of second primary molar in three weeks time frame was statistically significant thereby emphasizing the use of space maintainers at the earliest.

Short‐term efficacy of vacuum‐formed maintainer for deciduous second molar space maintenance in the mixed dentition: A single‐centre, randomized controlled clinical trial

“…Randomization took place only in relation to the type of appliance, preventing operator from influencing which participants are assigned to a given intervention group. Variables such as age, sex, tooth eruption stage and occlusal contacts were not controlled by a stratified randomization process, because the sequentially selected patients with deciduous molar pathologies frequently required immediate tooth extraction, which demanded space maintainer manufacture and installation at the earliest 4‐6 . Although the chronological age showed a significant difference between the groups, the successor teeth eruption stage was similar.…”

“…Although the chronological age showed a significant difference between the groups, the successor teeth eruption stage was similar. Since the eruption progress is a more critical consideration than the chronological age to predict the potential for space loss and the need for space maintainer, the difference in chronological age was not considered a confounding factor in this trial 5 . In addition, patients with second premolar in the E3 eruption stage were excluded (Figure 3), since an advanced eruption stage of the permanent successor could influence adjacent teeth migration towards the extraction space, making space maintenance unnecessary.…”

“…Although the first primary molar seems to be the most frequently lost deciduous posterior tooth, 2 it has been demonstrated that its loss is of little clinical relevance 3 . In contrast, the early loss of the deciduous second molar is critical and often requires immediate clinical intervention for space maintenance 4‐7 …”

Influence of a programme for prevention of early childhood caries on early orthodontic treatment needs

“…The PP had the additional benefit that in cases of premature tooth loss the space and dental development could be monitored and a space maintainer could be applied on demand. Studies show the importance of space maintainers because tooth migration begins within 3 weeks after tooth extraction and lasts for several months [ 52 – 54 ]. The present investigation shows that space loss was present if space management was left up to patients and parents and was not watched by professionals.…”

Reconstruction of Pulpotomized Primary Molar and Retention of Stainless-steel Crowns: An In-vitro Study

“…Dental caries is the most common chronic disease of childhood [1,2]. Extensive dental caries is among the main causes of premature loss of primary molars, especially the first primary molar [3,4], which is associated with complications like the ectopic eruption of the teeth, the space loss, disrupting the inter jaw relationships, and aesthetic problems [5]. Thus, the primary molar teeth should be preserved as far as possible, even in the loss of extensive dental tissue [6,7].…”