Does my child really need a space maintainer where a baby tooth came out?

If the baby tooth came out earlier than it should have, we recommend a space maintainer. If the empty space is left as it is, the molar behind it tips forward and narrows the space for the permanent tooth, and orthodontic treatment may become necessary later. However, if the permanent tooth is due soon - usually within 6 months - we sometimes simply monitor without an appliance. We decide whether an appliance is really needed after checking the position and eruption timing of the permanent tooth on an X-ray.