Effects of Premature Loss of Deciduous Molars

The premature loss of primary molars resulting in space loss of dental arch and mesial positioning of the permanent molars is a great concern during the mixed dentition. Most dental students are taught that using a space maintainer for the premature loss of primary molars is mandatory in order to avoid space loss. However, it appears that many situations and differences exist clinically, which do not seem to have the same conclusions. Many reports dealing with space changes were based on cross-sectional data, limited sample size, and crude methodologies. The purposes of this article were (1) to review the previous researches concerning premature loss of deciduous molars, and (2) to examine and discuss the various aspects of space changes after premature loss of deciduous molars.