Will Space Maintainers Cause My Child Pain? Everything You Need To Know

If your child loses a baby tooth earlier than they're supposed to, their pediatric dentist at Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will recommend a space maintainer. As the name suggests, a space maintainer sits in the empty socket where their tooth used to be, and maintains the proper spacing in their smile. In turn, this ensures that your little one’s adult tooth erupts in the right area.

But you may have questions about the procedure. Do space maintainers cause any pain or discomfort? The short answer is “no.” For the long answer, read on and learn more about what to expect if your child needs a space maintainer in Yardley, Warrington, Bensalem, or Glenside.
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Getting Space Maintainers Is A Completely Pain-Free Process

Usually, it takes two appointments for your child to get a space maintainer. At their first visit, their pediatric dentist will take images and impressions of their smile. Then, you’ll be sent home. The team at Sea of Smiles will work with a dental lab to build a custom-fitted space maintainer for your little one.

Once their space maintainer is finished and arrives at our office, you’ll come back for your child’s second appointment. Their pediatric dentist will check the fit of the space maintainer to make sure everything looks good. Then, they’ll attach it to their tooth permanently. This is a completely pain-free process and requires no needles or drills.
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Your Child May Feel Mild Discomfort For A Day Or Two After Treatment

While the application of their space maintainer will not hurt at all, it’s entirely possible for your child to feel a little bit of soreness and discomfort for a day or two after their treatment. This is usually mild and is completely normal. Your child’s mouth is simply getting used to their space maintainer.

If your child complains of discomfort in the treated area after their appointment, you can give them an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen. You can even use a topical treatment like Orajel, though only if your child is over two years of age. Orajel is dangerous for infants and young toddlers.
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Proper Care Will Keep Their Space Maintainer In Good Shape

After a few days, your child’s mouth will feel normal. But it’s still important to take a few steps to keep their space maintainer in good shape, and make sure that it preserves the proper spacing in their smile until their adult tooth erupts.

• Choose a fixed space maintainer – Both fixed and removable space maintainers are available. If your child has a removable space maintainer, they may not be diligent about wearing it properly, or could lose or damage it. Fixed space maintainers can only be removed by a dentist, and are a better option for most kids.
  
  
• Maintain good oral hygiene – Your child will need to continue brushing and flossing their teeth and gums properly. Make sure your little one brushes twice a day for two minutes, ideally once in the morning and once after their final meal at night.
  
  
• Eliminate sticky foods – Over time, eating foods like gummies, taffy, chewing gum, and other sticky foods could loosen your child’s space maintainer. Keep an eye on their diet and eliminate or minimize sticky foods as much as possible.
  
  

Need A Space Maintainer For Your Child? Contact Sea Of Smiles Today!

If your child has lost a baby tooth prematurely, the team at Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here for you and your family. Contact us online to schedule a consultation for your little one, or feel free to get in touch directly with the team at our Yardley, Bensalem, Warrington, or Glenside dental office.