Space Maintainers

   Children sometimes lose decidous teeth because of a dental cavity which cannot be repaired. Soon after the extraction of a deciduous tooth, teeth next to it start to move towards the empty space, gradually closing up the space for the permanent tooth, which is still inside the bone. The permanent tooth can sometimes stay stuck and never erupt. Setting such a tooth free is complex and requires wearing a fixed orthodontic appliance for many years.

   In order to prevent the problem of a stuck tooth, a space maintainer should be made soon after a deciduous tooth extraction. Space maintainers look like metal rings with an extension that bridges the empty space. Doctor fixes them of one of the remaining teeth and they stay there until a permanent tooth grows. Space maintainers look like silver stars to children, and they accept them quickly.

   If your child looses a deciduous tooth early because of a dental cavity, ask Dr Teodora or Dr Jelena about the possibility for a space maintainer.