When a child needs to lose a baby tooth too early, a space maintainer can be placed to keep from losing the space for the permanent tooth. Teeth can quickly shift and move after a baby tooth is lost, which would crowd out the permanent tooth that would replace the baby tooth.
What does a space maintainer involve?
An impression is taken of the teeth. A laboratory technician fabricates an appliance to hold the teeth in position, which is then cemented in place. No shots are necessary.
When the permanent tooth is ready to come in, it pushes the space maintainer off.
Sometimes the space maintainer falls out. It is important to have it recemented soon (within two or three days), before the teeth have a chance to change position.