What happens when a primary tooth is lost early due to a cavity?
Primary teeth are just as important as permanent teeth for chewing, speaking and appearance. In addition primary teeth hold the space for permanent teeth If primary teeth are lost too early, the teeth next to the empty space can move, and tip and there often is not enough room for the permanent teeth to erupt in the proper position. This is one cause of crooked teeth and the necessity of orthodontic treatment. If a tooth must be lost we usually recommend that a spacer be placed until the permanent tooth erupts into the vacant space.
