Clinical evaluation of short term space variation following premature loss of primary second molar, at early permanent dentition stage

PURPOSE: The present study aimed at determining whether the premature loss of a deciduous second molar results in a clinically relevant loss of space and arch length reduction. METHODS: Split mouth evaluation of approximately 32 patients at early permanent dentition stage with unilateral premature loss of the deciduous second molar either in the upper arch or the lower arch. The contra lateral side with no tooth loss served as controls. Dental models and radiographs were obtained. The space in the extraction site and control sides were measured and analyzed for space loss and eruption stage of premolars in three weeks time frame. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The mean combined space before second primary molar extraction was 25.04 mm (±4.25), while the average space post extraction was 24.61 (±4.27) and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01). Furthermore, neither subject’s age, nor successor premolar eruption stage were found to be correlated significantly with the amount of space loss (P-values 0.989 and 0.811, respectively). Space loss after premature extraction of second primary molar in three weeks time frame was statistically significant thereby emphasizing the use of space maintainers at the earliest.