IMPACTS OF EARLY LOSS OF PRIMARY TEETH: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

This article sought to analyze the early loss of primary teeth and its implications for pediatric dentistry. Through a systematic review of the literature, databases such as PubMed and Scopus were consulted, focusing on articles published between 2014 and 2024 that addressed the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of this problem. The main results indicate that the premature loss of primary teeth not only compromises children's immediate oral health, but can also cause future complications, such as migration of adjacent teeth and malocclusions, requiring orthodontic interventions (Gandhi & Gurunathan, 2022). The use of space maintainers proved to be essential to preserve the integrity of the dental arch, however the lack of standardization in use protocols among professionals is an identified concern. Furthermore, the relationship between tooth loss and systemic conditions suggests the need for an interdisciplinary approach in managing these cases. The findings highlight the importance of early interventions and stricter guidelines to improve treatment and minimize the adverse impacts of childhood tooth loss.