Mantenedores de espaço protético para prevenção da má oclusão e preservação do plano oclusal: relato de caso clínico

Abstract

Prevention is essential, especially in health, to avoid problems such as dental malocclusion, often caused by the early loss of teeth without adequate rehabilitation. The use of space maintainers in both children and adults prevents tooth migration and bone resorption, facilitating oral rehabilitation, and it is the responsibility of dentists to advise on the importance of preserving prosthetic spaces to avoid future complications. This case report aims to highlight the effectiveness of maintainers in preventing tooth displacement and preserving the space necessary for adequate oral rehabilitation. The clinical case involves a 47-year-old male patient, with a root fracture and abscess in dental unit 37, who, after extraction, received a freeze-dried bone graft and a space maintaining device to prevent malocclusion and facilitate oral rehabilitation. The proactive approach with these devices not only prevents functional and aesthetic complications, but also contributes to a better quality of life for the patient, reinforcing the importance of prevention in dentistry. It is therefore concluded that the use of prosthetic space maintainers is essential in preventing malocclusions and preserving the occlusal plane, especially in cases of premature tooth loss.