Dental arch space changes following premature loss of primary first molars: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to consider the available evidence regarding premature loss of primary molars and the implications for treatment planning.


METHODS
Electronic database searches were conducted--including published information available until July 2007--for available evidence. A methodological quality assessment was also applied.


RESULTS
Although a significant number of published articles had dealt with premature primary molar loss, only 3 studies (including a total combined sample of 80 children) had the minimal methodological quality to be considered for this systematic review.


CONCLUSIONS
A reported immediate space loss of 1.5 mm per arch side in the mandible and 1 mm in the maxilla--when normal growth changes were considered--was found. The magnitude, however, is not likely to be of clinical significance in most cases. Nevertheless, in cases with incisor and/or lip protrusion or a severe predisposition to arch length deficiency prior to any tooth loss, this amount of loss could have treatment implications.
Tunison
William
W
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Flores-Mir
Carlos
C
ElBadrawy
Hossam
H
Nassar
Usama
U
El-Bialy
Tarek
T