Assessing practices of prefabricated space maintainers in primary teeth
Investigators assessed dentists’ knowledge and utilization of prefabricated band and loop space maintainers to preserve primary dentition in pediatric patients.
The premature loss of primary dentition can require orthodontic interventions and lead to complications such as ectopic eruption, crowding and malocclusion.
In a cross-sectional questionnaire study, published in Cureus, the investigators aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of 100 dentists regarding prefabricated space maintainers in primary teeth.
The questionnaire survey was developed based on a comprehensive literature review, expert consultations, assessed demographics, knowledge of prefabricated space maintainer indications and techniques, current practices, perceived barriers and preferences for continuing education.
Among the respondents, only 19% of them were found to use prefabricated space maintainers and 36% of them used conventional space maintainers. Further, only 11% of the dentists stated that they had participated in continuing dental education programs on space maintainers.
The findings demonstrated the need for focused educational initiatives to improve the adoption of prefabricated space maintainers in pediatric patients.
Read more: Cureus
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