Pediatric dentists recommend space maintainers when a baby tooth is lost prematurely or has to be extracted due to decay or damage. Space maintainers are essential to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting into the empty space, which can lead to misalignment or crowding when permanent teeth erupt.
Indications for a Space Maintainer:
Symptoms Suggesting the Need for a Space Maintainer:
If a child loses a tooth early, a dentist will evaluate the gap’s location, the child’s age, and their overall dental development. This assessment will determine if a space maintainer is necessary to keep the proper space open for the future permanent tooth. Maintaining the integrity of a child’s bite is critical to their long-term oral health, which is why space maintainers are a crucial intervention in pediatric dentistry.