Pérdida prematura de molares deciduos y su impacto en la estabilidad del arco dental.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the alterations in dental arch stability due to the premature loss of deciduous molars in pediatric patients treated at the clinic of the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil during the A-2026 semester. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted in the orthodontics and comprehensive clinics of the UCSG. Thirty-two clinical records of 30 pediatric patients (34 deciduous molars with premature loss) were analyzed, selected through inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection evaluated space loss, crowding, midline deviation, Nolla stages, and successor angulation. Statistical analysis was processed in SPSS v.29 using descriptive statistics; age was expressed as mean and standard deviation, and space loss as median and interquartile range. RESULTS: The mean age was 6.80 ± 1.24 years, with tooth 84 being the most affected (35.3%). Space loss recorded a median of 1.10 mm (IQR: 0.43 - 2.88 mm). Crowding was identified in 68.8% and midline deviation in 75.0% of unilateral losses. Nolla stage 5 predominated, observing a delay in eruption chronology in 56.3% and inclined successor angulation in 71.9%. CONCLUSION: The results show a high incidence of alterations in dental arch stability after the premature loss of deciduous molars, highlighting crowding, midline deviation, successor inclination, and eruptive delay, which underscores the importance of early clinical monitoring.