Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The evaluation of the root development of the second molar is essential in determining the need for a space maintainer after a primary molar is lost. When a primary molar is lost prematurely, one of the primary concerns is whether the adjacent permanent teeth, particularly the first permanent molar, have enough development and root length to maintain space until the eruption of the second permanent molar.

If the second molar is still in an early stage of development, it may not be positioned correctly to take the place of the lost primary molar, and therefore, a space maintainer may be necessary to prevent adjacent teeth from drifting into the space and to ensure proper alignment of future teeth. This is especially crucial for maintaining space in a developing dental arch and for the overall dental health and alignment of the child as they grow.

Other factors, such as the condition of the adjacent permanent tooth or the shape of the dental arch, play a role in orthodontic assessment but are not as directly indicative of the immediate need for a space maintainer as the root development of the second molar. These elements can be more influenced by the overall dental age and development listed in the options, but the specific condition of the second molar's root growth provides critical information