The effect of the premature loss of deciduous canines and molars on the eruption of their successors

Abstract

Analysis of longitudinal records of 126 subjects followed from the age of 5 to 15 years produced little evidence to support the view that very early loss of a deciduous canine or molar delays eruption while loss nearer the expected eruption age of the successor accelerates eruption of the successor. In general, earlier loss appeared to promote earlier eruption, except in the lower premolar region. Where early loss of the deciduous tooth was followed by late eruption of the permanent successor, predisposing factors were a tendency to space loss and less than average maturity of the relevant quadrant.