Losing a baby tooth is normal right? It can be, but it depends on the timing and the reason. Baby teeth are gradually shed beginning around the age of 5 or 6, starting with the front teeth and progressing toward the back of the mouth. This is the normal process of losing baby teeth to make room for the permanent teeth.
However, when a tooth is knocked out or falls out before it is supposed to, this is not normal. The permanent tooth may not be ready to come in after it, meaning that the empty space will be there longer than it should. The other teeth may begin to shift into the open space before the permanent tooth has time to come in.
This is when a space maintainer may be recommended to hold the place for the permanent tooth to come in when it's ready. Has your child lost a tooth prematurely? Find out if a space maintainer may be needed to restore oral health and prepare for the future.
What Happens When a Baby Tooth Is Lost Too Early?
Does it matter when baby teeth are lost? Absolutely. The natural process exists for a reason. Baby teeth serve many important purposes, such as:
- Placeholders for permanent teeth. Each baby tooth holds the place for a permanent tooth to come in. When it is ready, the roots of the baby tooth will gradually dissolve away. The tooth will become loose and eventually fall out as the permanent tooth makes its way into the empty space.
- Chewing and eating capabilities. Baby teeth are necessary for toddlers and young children to chew and swallow effectively. Proper eating habits are developed beginning in infancy and early childhood that continue into adolescence and adulthood.
- Speech development. The teeth are necessary to help children make the phonetic sounds required for proper speech. Missing teeth can delay or inhibit speech development, increasing the need for later intervention.
What Is a Space Maintainer and How Does It Work?
A space maintainer is an appliance or device that keeps the teeth in place, preventing them from shifting into the open space left by a lost tooth. There are two main types:
- Fixed. A fixed space maintainer is placed by your dentist and left in place until your dentist removes it.
- Removable. A removable space maintainer is more like a retainer that can be taken out when you eat and clean your teeth.
Both types keep the space open between the adjacent teeth until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.
Signs Your Child May Need a Space Maintainer
- Shifting teeth: If you notice that your child’s teeth are shifting into the open space or if there are gaps developing between other teeth.
- Crowding: Teeth are becoming crowded together in the area of the missing tooth.
- Bite changes: The upper and lower teeth start to meet together differently, resulting in bite misalignment.
If you notice these or other unusual signs, seek restorative treatment from a pediatric dentist to determine if a space maintainer may be in your child’s best interest.
The Benefits of Using a Space Maintainer
- Prevents orthodontic issues. Using a space maintainer as soon as a tooth is lost can prevent orthodontic issues from developing that will require later treatment.
- Supports proper bite and jaw development. Keeping the teeth in alignment with a space maintainer supports proper jaw growth.
- Improves comfort. A space maintainer prevents shifting teeth from causing discomfort.
Protecting Your Child’s Smile for the Future
Early intervention after the premature loss of a tooth is essential to your child’s oral health and orthodontic future. Seek a professional evaluation if your child loses a tooth that still has a significant amount of root left or is out of the normal schedule for tooth shedding. Contact us at Pediatric Dental Associates of Clinton to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Space Maintainers
How long does a child need to wear a space maintainer?
Children may need to wear space maintainers for a few months to a year or more. The duration depends on the timing of the eruption of the permanent tooth.
Are space maintainers uncomfortable for children?
Most children don’t even notice their space maintainers after a few days. Getting used to them is relatively easy in most cases.
At Pediatric Dental Associates of Clinton, we believe every child deserves a healthy foundation for a lifetime of smiles. Our team provides gentle, personalized care with a focus on prevention and early intervention to support proper dental development. If you have questions about your child’s oral health or treatment options, contact us today and schedule an appointment.