Growth & Development
Nida Ashraf, DMD
Pediatric Dentistry Resident
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
University of Michigan
Fenton, Michigan, United States
James R. Boynton, DDS, MS
Clinical Professor, Pediatric Dentistry Division Head and Graduate Program Director
University of Michigan Dental School, Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Primary failure of eruption (PFE) is a rare condition where malfunction of the eruption mechanism causes non-ankylosed permanent teeth to fail to erupt. These teeth become relatively submerged, resulting in a posterior open bite. Teeth with PFE have an abnormal or no response to orthodontic treatment, often necessitating prosthodontic rehabilitation. Accurate and timely diagnosis, radiographic monitoring, and subsequent management can improve patient outcomes and avoid prolonged frustration. This report highlights the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning considerations for two cases with failure of eruption of first permanent molars. Here we present the case of a 10-year-old female and an 8-year-old male with a similar presentation of rare conditions and summarize the features that distinguish mechanical failure of eruption from primary failure of eruption and factors related to their successful management.