Root canal treatment in primary teeth: a review.

Although preventive measures have reduced caries, premature loss of pulpally involved primary teeth remains a common problem. The resultant mesial drift of the permanent teeth frequently leads to malocclusion. Retention of the pulpally involved primary tooth to preserve arch space is preferable to space maintenance if the tooth can be restored to normal function and is free of pathology. Additional reasons to preserve the integrity of the primary dentition are to (1) aid in mastication, (2) serve a pulpally involved primary tooth in the absence of a succedaneous tooth, (3) prevent aberrant tongue habits, (4) prevent possible speech problems, (5) maintain esthetics, (6) prevent the psychological effects associated with early tooth loss, and (7) maintain normal eruption time of the succedaneous teeth. Premature loss of the primary tooth may lead to accelerated or delayed eruption of the succedaneous tooth depending upon development of the permanent tooth. 1