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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Dental arch space changes following premature loss of primary first molars: a systematic review
William Tunison1, Carlos Flores-Mir, Hossam ElBadrawy
1Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Purpose:
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.
Conclusion:
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.
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