Treatment planning for the loss of first permanent molars.

During the mixed-dentition stage of dental development, dentists may encounter patients with first permanent molars considered to have a poor long-term prognosis. In this situation, extraction of the tooth and space closure or use of the extraction space for future orthodontic treatment should be considered. The aim of this article is to give guidelines about treatment planning for patients who have first molars with a poor prognosis during the mixed-dentition stage.