Space Changes After Premature Loss of Lower First Primary Molars in Children Using Digital Scanning

Launched by CAIRO UNIVERSITY · May 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how the early loss of certain baby teeth affects the space in children's mouths. Specifically, it focuses on children aged 3 to 5.5 years who need to have their lower first primary molars (the first big teeth at the back) removed due to severe decay. The study will use digital 3D models to measure changes in the space in the jaw both before the tooth is taken out and six months later. The researchers want to find out if children need special devices called space maintainers to help keep the space for their adult teeth when these baby teeth are lost.

To be part of this trial, children must meet certain criteria. They should be between 3 and 5.5 years old, have one lower first primary molar that needs to be removed, and have the other lower first primary molar still intact and healthy. Importantly, the child cannot have any space maintainers already in place, and their adult molars must not have started coming in. If chosen to participate, families can expect regular check-ins and measurements over the six-month study period to see how the child's dental arch develops after the tooth extraction. This study is not yet recruiting participants, but it's an important step in understanding dental care for young children.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children aged 3 to 5.5 years
• • Mandibular first primary molar indicated for extraction due to extensive decay or hopeless prognosis
• • Contralateral mandibular first primary molar must be intact and free of proximal caries
• • No eruption of mandibular permanent first molar at the time of enrollment
• • Presence of primary canines and second primary molars
• • No space maintainers placed
• • Parents/caregivers unable or unwilling to fabricate a space maintainer
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Bilateral premature loss of mandibular first primary molars
• • Contralateral mandibular molar has proximal caries or poor prognosis
• • Children with good prognosis first primary molars (i.e., not needing extraction)
• • Eruption of the mandibular permanent first molar
• • Children who already have space maintainers
• • Uncooperative behavior preventing study participation