Knowledge Zone

Extractions and Space Maintainers

Baby teeth can be lost too early or need to be extracted for several reasons. They can be knocked out due to trauma, certain conditions, or may need to be extracted due to severe decay. If a baby tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer may be necessary. Space maintainers are appliances that are custom made to help “hold space” for permanent teeth. Its purpose is to keep the space open in order to allow permanent teeth to erupt and come into the proper place.