Not all children who experience early tooth loss need a space maintainer. Dr. Sean Vostatek will evaluate several variables, including the tooth’s location, your child’s age, the amount of time since it fell out, and the permanent tooth’s developmental stage.

If your child loses a tooth early, seeing your pediatric dentist immediately is important. Premature loss of a baby tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, leading to misalignment, crowding, or bite issues as the adult teeth come in. Pediatric space maintainers are crucial for:

• Preventing Misalignment: Ensuring enough space for adult teeth to come in correctly.
• Avoiding Bite Issues: Space maintainers help maintain proper bite development.
• Preserving Proper Spacing: Preventing crowding or crooked teeth down the road.

The procedure for applying a space maintainer is straightforward and minimally invasive:

1. Initial Consultation: Our pediatric dentist will examine your child’s teeth to determine if a space maintainer is needed.
2. Custom Fitting: Depending on the space lost, two options are available. Either a prefabricated space maintainer is chosen, or a mold of your child’s teeth is made to create a custom appliance that fits perfectly.
3. Placement: The space maintainer is placed securely in your child’s mouth. The procedure is quick and well-tolerated.
4. Follow-Up Appointments: Regular visits ensure the maintainer functions properly as your child’s teeth grow.

The length of time your child needs a space maintainer depends on their growth and the timing of their permanent teeth. Typically, it’s worn until the adult tooth comes in or the space is no longer needed. This could take several months to a few years.

Damage, decay, and other causes can cause baby teeth to fall out too soon. Baby teeth are essential placeholders for permanent teeth. Adjacent teeth may move into the void left by an early baby tooth loss. This shifting may impact the permanent tooth’s eruption, becoming misaligned or impeded. Premature tooth loss can lead to orthodontic issues and tooth impaction if a pediatric dentist is not consulted.

Yes! Space maintainers are made from smooth, comfortable materials and are designed to be minimally invasive. They’re easy to clean and maintain, ensuring your child’s oral health stays on track while their adult teeth emerge.

Follow these four essential guidelines to care for your child’s new appliance:

1. Encourage your child to avoid sticky foods, such as candy and chewing gum.
2. Discourage your child from pushing or tugging on the space maintainer with their fingers or tongue.
3. Ensure your child keeps the space maintainer clean by brushing and flossing effectively.
4. Continue to schedule regular dental visits with the pediatric dentist every six months.

Many insurance plans cover pediatric space maintainers. Coverage may vary, so our team at Simply Kids Dental can help you understand your policy and verify insurance.