Mom-Founded. Female-Owned. Family-Focused Care.
January 12, 2026
Baby teeth may be small, but their role in your child’s dental development is mighty. When a child loses a baby tooth too early, due to injury or decay, it may seem harmless at first.
However, these little teeth serve an important role as natural placeholders for the permanent teeth growing below the surface. At Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help parents understand how space maintainers can gently guide proper oral development, especially when early tooth loss occurs.
Baby teeth fall out according to a natural timeline that aligns with the development of your child’s jaws and permanent teeth. When that timeline is disrupted, whether by an accident, untreated cavities, or extraction, the surrounding teeth may move into the empty space.
This can lead to misalignment or crowding, and may even block permanent teeth from erupting normally. Preserving space is crucial for guiding healthy dental growth. Here’s why:
Space maintainers are small, custom-fitted dental appliances that hold space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. There are two primary types of space maintainers that are used to hold space between baby teeth:
At Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Neelon Patel uses her experience as a pediatric dentist and a mom to recommend treatment options that support your child’s development while keeping comfort at the forefront.
We understand that dental visits, especially involving appliances, can feel overwhelming for children and their parents. That’s why our Naperville office is built to create a fun, calming experience. From our interactive reading nook and prize wall to favorite shows playing overhead, we transform dental care into a positive milestone.
When using technology like the Solea CO2 laser, many procedures become more comfortable and often require no needle or drill. This gentle, minimally invasive approach helps ease kids into treatment while fostering lifelong trust in dental care.
Every child deserves personalized dental care, especially those with unique sensory, developmental, or medical needs. Dr. Patel and our compassionate team have proudly created an inclusive practice where patience, adaptability, and empathy guide everything we do. We focus not only on oral health, but on helping children feel seen, heard, and supported.
When your child experiences early tooth loss, you don't have to navigate the next steps alone. We’ll walk with you, answer your questions with clarity, and craft a care plan that honors both your child’s dental needs and emotional well-being.
If your child has lost a baby tooth earlier than expected, our team at Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry is ready to help protect their growing smile. With a warm, family-friendly approach and the thoughtful leadership of Dr. Neelon Patel, we focus on gentle solutions tailored to your child, including the use of space maintainers. Call us today at (630) 687-9292 to schedule an appointment in Naperville and learn how we can support your child’s oral health every step of the way.
We accept all PPO insurance plans. We do not accept Medicaid or HMO policies. For our uninsured patients, ask us about our Membership Plan, Pinky Perks!
