Space Changes After Premature Loss of Lower First Primary Molars in Children Using Digital Scanning

Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 3 to 5.5 years * Mandibular first primary molar indicated for extraction due to extensive decay or hopeless prognosis * Contralateral mandibular first primary molar must be intact and free of proximal caries * No eruption of mandibular permanent first molar at the time of enrollment * Presence of primary canines and second primary molars * No space maintainers placed * Parents/caregivers unable or unwilling to fabricate a space maintainer Exclusion Criteria: * Bilateral premature loss of mandibular first primary molars * Contralateral mandibular molar has proximal caries or poor prognosis * Children with good prognosis first primary molars (i.e., not needing extraction) * Eruption of the mandibular permanent first molar * Children who already have space maintainers * Uncooperative behavior preventing study participation