Therapeutic extraction of permanent first molars severely destroyed in mixed denture

during mixed dentition, the 1st permanent molar is the most susceptible to caries, triggering a repetitive restorative cycle and loss. This study aimed to evaluate determinants of therapeutic extraction of severely damaged 1st permanent molars in mixed dentition before the eruption of the second permanent molar with favorable spontaneous closure of the residual space. The methodology involved a scoping review on PubMed using a specific search strategy. Ten articles were included addressing factors such as the ideal chronological age, stage of development of the second premolar and permanent molar, presence of the third molar, residual spontaneous closure, prognosis, and need for orthodontic treatment. In conclusion, therapeutic extraction of the 1st molar before the eruption of the second molar is associated with favorable spontaneous closure of the residual space. Greater success is evident with the presence of the third molar, the second molar in stage E, and the second premolar in stage F (Demirjian).