Losing teeth is usually an exciting rite of passage for young patients. This happens when their primary structures make way for their permanent pearly whites. Their first baby tooth may come out around the age of six or so, and the rest will follow this pattern until the adult ones have completely erupted. If your little one has lost one of their pearly whites too soon, it could be due to decay or other oral health concerns. Your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist is here to explain more about childhood premature tooth loss.
This Could Happen Due To Decay Or Traumatic Injuries
As mentioned earlier, your child will start losing their baby teeth around the age of six years old. The primary teeth begin developing around the age of six months to one year old. They help with chewing, learning how to talk, jaw development, and much more. These primary dental structures come out to make way for the permanent ones.
When your child’s tooth begins to feel loose, it may be a sign that it is ready to come out. It’s important to remember to not pull this out or wiggle it, as this can make it come out too soon. If your child experiences a severe cavity or injury to the area, their pearly white could come out prematurely. When this happens, it’s important that you bring them in to see the dentist as soon as possible. The team will examine the area and will likely decide to put a space maintainer in the area where the tooth was lost.
A Space Maintainer Can Prevent Serious Misalignment
A space maintainer does exactly what the name suggests. The device will protect the empty spot that was left behind after your child has lost a tooth. This helps ensure that the other structures do not shift out of place, which can block the permanent structure from erupting. Usually, these are fixed in place so that it cannot be taken out. In some cases, though, the dentist may give your child a removable one that can be taken out to clean. When the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, this device will be removed.
Space maintainers are a useful tool that can help prevent serious misalignment in the future. Nearly everyone will need orthodontic care in the future, but this preventive step can reduce the length of treatment time for your kid. You can bring your child in for their first orthodontic consultation around the age of seven years old. At this visit, the team may suggest phase one treatments to prepare your child’s smile before starting braces.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team To Learn More
Losing your pearly whites too early can lead to many orthodontic concerns in the future. You can prevent this problem by talking to our team about space maintainers. To schedule an appointment with Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatrics in NY, call 631.399.1600.
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