LAUSR

AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate possible spontaneous space closure after extraction of first permanent molars in children and their eventual need for orthodontic treatment. METHODS Twenty-seven children with at least one first permanent molar planned for extraction were enrolled in the study. The children were referred to the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Oslo, between 2009 and 2017. All extracted teeth were severely affected by Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation and/or caries. The children and their parents had consented to extraction and follow-up. Data were analysed with SPSS 26. RESULTS The age of the children was between 5.5 and 12.1 years (mean 8.7) at extraction. The mean follow-up time was 3.2 years (range 1.1-6.3). Sixteen children (59.3%) had all four molars extracted, five (18.5%) had three, five had two and one had one molar extracted. In the maxilla, the second permanent molar had erupted in the place of the first molar in all the children, and none of them needed orthodontic space closure. In the mandible, eight children (29.6%) needed orthodontic treatment to close the spaces after extraction. In three children, the second molar was not yet erupted and treatment need was not settled. CONCLUSION Extraction of severely affected first permanent molars before the eruption of the second molar is a treatment option causing little additional treatment in the majority of cases.