Does it matter if your child’s tooth falls out before it’s supposed to? Yes!
Children love when they lose a tooth, but sometimes that tooth falls out well before it’s supposed to. This can be a problem because if the baby tooth is no longer saving the space for the adult tooth, other teeth will shift in on its space and cause the erupting adult tooth to become impacted or come in crooked.
Common reasons why teeth fall out before they should:
- Infection
- Cavities
- Root resorption
- Accident or trauma
How to Prevent Orthodontic Complications
You might think that crooked and impacted teeth are treated later on with braces, but it’s a better idea to keep them from happening in the first place! One of the ways we do this when it’s associated with premature tooth loss is by using a space maintainer. They are easy and comfortable to place, and are only worn for a limited amount of time.
What is a Space Maintainer?
Space maintainers are temporary aids that prevent teeth from leaning together into a newly opened space. A small band is wrapped around the tooth with an extension off of the side. This extension butts into the next tooth, preventing either one from drifting out of place. As soon as the permanent tooth has erupted into the area, the space maintainer is removed.
Depending on your child’s age and which tooth has been lost, we can let you know if a space maintainer is necessary. Most of the time they are used when a tooth must be removed for a treatment procedure. Save the cost of orthodontic care and treatment time by taking smart steps to prevent those problems before they start!
