Orthodontics: space maintenance: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Orthodontics: space maintenance

Sample item

Why is a space maintainer considered after premature loss of a primary molar?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Prevent mesial drift of adjacent teeth and preserve eruption space

Premature loss of primary molars can allow adjacent teeth to drift into the space, reducing room for permanent successors. A space maintainer is selected based on age, tooth lost, and eruption stage.

Option by option

  • A. Treat pulpal necrosis in neighboring teeth

    Pulpal necrosis requires endodontic or extraction management.

  • B. Prevent mesial drift of adjacent teeth and preserve eruption space (correct)

    Correct. Maintaining arch space helps avoid later crowding or impaction.

  • C. Increase facial growth immediately

    Facial growth is not immediately increased by a space maintainer.

  • D. Accelerate enamel formation

    Enamel formation is not affected by a space maintainer.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Prevent mesial drift of adjacent teeth and preserve eruption space. Premature loss of primary molars can allow adjacent teeth to drift into the space, reducing room for permanent successors.

Why is "Treat pulpal necrosis in neighboring teeth" not the answer?

Pulpal necrosis requires endodontic or extraction management.

Why is "Increase facial growth immediately" not the answer?

Facial growth is not immediately increased by a space maintainer.

Why is "Accelerate enamel formation" not the answer?

Enamel formation is not affected by a space maintainer.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics: space maintenance in Dentistry. A space maintainer is selected based on age, tooth lost, and eruption stage.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Orthodontics: space maintenance?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.