What is the most common consequence of premature extraction of deciduous molars?

The most common consequence of premature extraction of deciduous molars is the loss of arch length. Deciduous (primary) molars play a crucial role in maintaining the space and alignment of the dental arch for the eruption of permanent teeth. When these teeth are lost prematurely, it can lead to the drifting or tilting of adjacent teeth into the vacant space. This shifting can consequently reduce the arch length, potentially causing crowding issues when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. Maintaining the integrity of the dental arch is vital for proper occlusion and alignment of the teeth, thus highlighting the significance of preserving deciduous molars until they naturally fall out.

The other consequences, like loss of speech sound, loss of facial contour, and loss of vertical height, while relevant in certain contexts of dental health, are not the primary outcomes associated directly with the premature loss of primary molars. These aspects are influenced more by the overall oral health and function, but they do not pinpoint the direct consequences of losing those specific molars in terms of arch integrity.