Today, your child received a space maintainer, which was secured with permanent cement intended to hold it in place until the permanent tooth starts to emerge. Here are a few answers to common questions we receive after this procedure:

• It's normal for your child to experience excessive drooling for 2-3 days.

• Speech changes are expected until your child becomes accustomed to the appliance.

• Steer clear of sticky or chewy foods (e.g., gummies, caramels, taffy, Skittles, and gum), as they can loosen the space maintainer. If it falls out, keep it in a plastic bag and contact our office to have it reattached. If your child feels the space maintainer is loose, ensure it's positioned correctly and call our office to schedule an evaluation.

• Proper hygiene is crucial. Help your child brush their teeth, paying special attention to the area near the appliance.