Dental Extraction and Space Maintainer
Sometimes, a baby tooth may need to be removed (extracted) if it has extensive decay, an infection, or cannot be saved with other treatments. If a baby tooth is lost too early, we may recommend a space maintainer—a small dental appliance that holds the space open for the permanent tooth to come in properly. Without one, nearby teeth may shift into the empty space, potentially causing crowding or alignment issues. Not every child needs a space maintainer; we’ll consider your child’s age, which tooth is missing, and how soon the adult tooth is expected to come in. Our goal is to keep your child’s smile healthy and make room for their growing adult teeth!
