Space manteinance after premature loss of primary molars

Abstract

Premature loss of primary molars occurs when they are extracted before their physiologic exfoliation timing. Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the association between premature loss of primary molars and the use of space maintainers. Materials and methods: A descriptive, retrospective, correlacional study was performed, analyzing records of 109 patients, ages 3 to 9 years old, who received dental treatment at the Pediatric Dentistry Postgraduate program UCV. Children with systemic diseases or syndromes were excluded. Socioeconomic status, extracted primary teeth and use of space maintainers were studied. Pearson´s X2 and Student´s T tests (p=0,05) were performed. Results: Mean age was 4,93 ± 1,5 years-old. Prevalence of premature loss of primary teeth was 70,90%, with an average of3,75 ± 2,56 extracted teeth per child. Dental caries was the most frequent cause for extraction (76,5%), and the most affected tooth was the maxillary left primary firs molar (64). 72,12% of patients used space maintainers, with fixed appliances accounting for 52,27%. No statistical significance was found between socioeconomic status, number of extracted teeth or use of space maintainer. Conclusion: High prevalence of premature loss of primary teeth was observed in this sample, belonging to a highly specialized clinic where patients with complex treatment needs are admitted. For most cases satisfactory use of space maintainers was achieved as a preventive measure to avoid oclusal disturbances.