title: Dental arch space changes following premature loss of primary first molars: a systematic review.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tunison
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Flores-Mir
authors.forename: Hossam
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: ElBadrawy
authors.forename: Usama
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Nassar
authors.forename: Tarek
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: El-Bialy