In addition to regular brushing and flossing and biannual trips to the dentist, space maintainers are an important tool for caring for grins of all ages. Used in restorative as well as pediatric dentistry, these valuable tools support both tooth development and smile restoration. For over 30 years, Dr. Robert Petrtyl and his knowledgeable team have been helping children and adults in the Cincinnati area maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. Here, they explain when and why your dentist may recommend a space maintainer for you or your child.

Generally, space maintainers are used to ensure that your child’s teeth come in correctly. When your child loses a baby tooth prematurely, whether due to an accident or decay, the surrounding teeth tend to drift over to fill the space left behind. Since the permanent teeth are underneath the gums, waiting for the right moment to appear, drifting baby teeth can become a serious problem. When the permanent tooth erupts, it will have nowhere to go, leading to issues in the development of your child’s smile.

Space maintainers provide a simple solution. When your child loses a tooth too soon, your dentist may choose to use a space maintainer to reserve the space for the permanent tooth that will replace it. In the meantime, it’s important to brush thoroughly and visit your pediatric dentistry practice regularly to prevent a gum infection.

While space maintainers are frequently pediatric dentistry tools, they are occasionally used for adults as part of restorative dentistry treatments. If one of your adult teeth is lost or removed, your dentist may put in a space maintainer until a replacement can be made.

No matter what the age of your smile is, Dr. Robert Petrtyl and his expert team offer exceptional dental care in a caring, relaxing environment. Learn more about their trusted general, pediatric, and restorative dentistry services on their website, or call (513) 554-4657 to make an appointment at their Cincinnati office today.