Oral rehabilitation in mixed dentition: the challenge of replacing permanent teeth

ABSTRACT

Aim: To present the report of a female patient, 10 years old, referred for treatment in the Dentistry Clinic of a Brazilian public university. Case report: The patient's oral health condition was unfavorable with biofilm accumulation, pain report and chewing difficulty. After anamnesis, clinical and radiographic examination, the treatment plan included removal of infectious foci (54, 55, 64, 65, 74, 75, 85, 16, 36 and 46) followed by prosthetic rehabilitation. At this stage, the functional restoration of the lower arch was restricted by the imminent eruption of the premolars. In the upper arch, the maintenance of the mesio-distal diameters aims to guarantee the chronological sequence of successors irruption and establishment of normal occlusion. During the monthly follow-up consultations the patient presents a more spontaneous smile, although she still needs constant reinforcement in oral hygiene habits. Conclusions: The rehabilitation of patients with loss of permanent teeth during the mixed dentition phase should consider the peculiarities of this period for the restoration of health without altering the normal pattern of occlusal development.