Whether it’s from a daring move on the playground or a bite into a frozen treat, early tooth loss can happen to any kid. Instead of panicking, it’s important to remember that this little hiccup doesn’t spell disaster; it simply calls for a little extra attention from a dental superhero—our Flemington dentist.
With the proper care and the help of space maintainers, we can make sure that gap doesn’t turn into a big problem. Let’s dive into how Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry can keep your kid’s smile bright and beautiful, no matter the twists and turns of childhood!
What Are Space Maintainers?
These dental devices are aptly named—they maintain the space left behind when your child loses a baby tooth too early. You might wonder why it matters if a kid loses a tooth that’s meant to come out. This is because the adult tooth in that spot isn’t ready to come in yet. If the neighboring baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth first, they can crowd into the space left behind by the prematurely lost tooth.
Custom-fitted to your child’s mouth, space maintainers from our Flemington dentist keep the spot open so that the adult tooth, when it’s ready to come in, has room.
When Does a Child Need a Space Maintainer?
Not every child needs a space maintainer after losing a baby tooth, but it’s essential to check with Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry after a sudden lost tooth. Your child may lose a baby tooth earlier than expected due to:
- Decay
- Injury
- Tooth Extraction
- Emergency Care
Our Flemington dentist may also place a space maintainer if your child’s teeth already appear crowded or overlapping. We can help manage the available space and prevent further crowding.
Our Flemington Dentist’s Space Maintainer Process
The process begins with an initial consultation at Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry. We’ll examine your child’s mouth, take X-rays, and determine if a space maintainer is necessary. If so, our Flemington dentist will take impressions of their mouth. We use these to create a custom device that will be both effective and comfortable.
Once the space maintainer is ready, your child will have another appointment to fit the device. We might cement the maintainer to the adjacent teeth or provide a removable one. We’ll ensure it fits snugly and comfortably and schedule follow-up visits. Once the permanent tooth is coming in properly, we’ll remove the space maintainer.
Benefits of Getting a Space Maintainer
- Prevent Future Dental Issues: Avoid misalignment and crowding, reducing the need for more invasive orthodontic treatments in the future.
- Promote Healthy Growth: Space maintainers help ensure that your child’s teeth and jaw develop correctly, promoting overall oral health and a beautiful smile.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Using a space maintainer can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for extensive orthodontic treatments and corrective procedures.
Smile On with Space Maintainers from Our Flemington Dentist
Losing a baby tooth too early can feel like a surprise twist in a child’s adventure, but it doesn’t have to be a scary one! It’s crucial to reach out to Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry to ensure that your child’s smile stays straight and bright. A space maintainer steps in to hold the fort, preventing problems like misalignment or crowding. Set up an appointment today to give those tiny smiles the boost they need from our Flemington dentist.
