Growth & Development
Macaira Leahy, DDS (she/her/hers)
Resident
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Kecia S. Leary, DDS, MS
Clinical Professor
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Tad Mabry, DDS, MS
University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Alexa Rosenau, DDS
Lincoln Pediatric Dentistry
Wei Shi, MS
University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Kecia S. Leary, DDS, MS
Clinical Professor
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Methods: A 19-question survey was emailed in spring/summer of 2022 to active members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Association of Endodontists, and a sample of the American Association of Orthodontists.
Results: 940 complete surveys were received, 58% were pediatric dentists, 27% endodontists, 13% orthodontists, and 2% “other”. Responders practice in the following region; 21% northeastern, 20% southeastern, 21% north central, 16% southwestern, and 22% western. Over 75% of responders were in private practice. 87% had heard of second molar substitution or first molar replacement and 68% of those were introduced to the concept during their residency training. Of those made aware during residency, 69% were pediatric dentists and 15% endodontists and orthodontists. Given various scenarios, 56% of responders would only extract the affected tooth rather than extract both the affected tooth and the unaffected opposing or contralateral tooth, but this differed by specialty (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Second molar substitution or first molar replacement is a well-known concept among dental specialists. Given various scenarios and treatment options, the majority of specialists would treatment plan only the affected tooth or teeth to be extracted rather than opting to extract the opposing or contralateral tooth if unaffected.