The Distal Pole-Alternative to Conventional Distal Shoe Space Maintainer: A Case Report

Aim and Background: A major clinical challenge for pedodontist is space maintenance in primary dentition associated with the premature loss of primary teeth. When a primary second molar is lost prematurely, it is the distal shoe appliance (DSA) most widely used and proved to be the effective tool in guiding the permanent first molar into its proper place. Case Description: The sole purpose of this case report is to describe briefly the clinical management of unilateral extensively carious primary mandibular second molar with a modified distal shoe space maintainer which we named it as “distal pole” which is highly inevitable to prevent space loss and following malocclusion development in later stages. Clinical Significance: The prime importance in pediatric dentistry is preserving the primary teeth in the dental arch until their physiological exfoliation time however there are certain conditions which are challenging at times where extraction seems unavoidable.