Dental arch perimeter changes as a result from premature loss of primary anterior teeth due to trauma: A case series in infant and pre-school children.

Background: The premature loss of primary anterior teeth in deciduous arches is a controversial topic in the literature, especially due to the lack of robust scientific evidence about the consequences in the arch perimeter space and magnitudes of the effects involved.

Aim: Evaluate the association between premature loss of primary anterior teeth and dental arch perimeter changes, according to clinical variables as deciduous arch type, erupted primary canines, midline involvement and deleterious oral habits, on infants and pre-school children.

Design: Patients with avulsion or referral to extraction due to traumatic dental injuries (TDI) were evaluated. After the tooth loss, two trained operators measured the tooth/teeth space, both with a digital caliper and a dry tip compass. The clinical documentation included photographs and radiographs. Follow-up visits occurred from the baseline and every two months over a 12-month period. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between arch perimeter changes and clinical variables (α = 0.05). A descriptive statistic was performed to explore the magnitude of space changes, with 95% confidence intervals.

Results: Eighteen infants/children (mean, 2.78 ± 1.39 years) were included. Nine patients presented space loss (50.0%) (mean, -1.32 mm), six patients gained space (33.3%) (mean, +1.55 mm), and three patients presented space maintenance (16.7%). Clinical variables did not influence dental arch perimeter changes.

Conclusions: Premature loss of primary anterior teeth, as well as deleterious oral habits, deciduous arch type, midline involvement and erupted primary canines, were not associated with dental arch perimeter changes.