About this topic
Your baby teeth are an important part of your smile and how you are able to eat food. They also guide the permanent tooth into the right place when the baby tooth falls out. Sometimes, baby teeth are lost too early. A space maintainer can be used to keep the space open where the baby tooth was lost. Then, the permanent tooth can come into the mouth properly. ‚
What are the causes?
Baby teeth may be lost too early for a few reasons. ‚
- A fall or accident may knock out a tooth
- The tooth may be pulled because of very bad tooth decay or a previous injury
- An illness may cause tooth loss
- A tooth may be missing from birth
What are the main signs?
Nearby teeth crowd into the spot when a baby tooth is lost too early. The teeth may also tilt in the wrong direction. The permanent tooth has lost its guide and may not have enough space to come into the mouth. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your dentist will take your history and do an exam. Other tests, like an x-ray of your mouth, may be ordered. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your dentist may order a space maintainer if you lose a tooth too early. You may also need one if there is no permanent tooth to replace the one you lost. Some people only need a space maintainer for a short time. Others need to wear one forever. A space maintainer will work to keep the space open until a permanent tooth comes through the gum or a replacement for the missing tooth is ready. There are many kinds of space maintainers. Some are metal and others are plastic. Some attach to your teeth and others are able to be taken out of your mouth. Your dentist will help you decide the best kind of space maintainer for you. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
- See your dentist at least every 6 months. This is especially important while you have a space maintainer in place.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly, even when you have a space maintainer.
- If your space maintainer is removable, you may need to take it out to clean your mouth. If your space maintainer is attached to your teeth, you may need special tools to clean around it. Your dentist or dental hygienist will suggest the best tools for you.
- If your permanent tooth is missing, the space maintainer may be used until you get a bridge, an implant, or a partial denture to fill the space. Talk to your dentist about the best choice for you.
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/space-maintainers ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚