CSI04 - Surgical Forced Eruption of Impacted Second Molars

Abstract: Abstract

Purpose: Impacted mandibular second molars present a unique problem for patients and providers. Traditionally, they have been treated orthodontically for re-positioning, via re-implantation, or with extraction and “mesial drift” of the adjacent third molar. The purpose of this article is to present a cost-effective, expeditious method of bringing impacted mandibular second molars into functional occlusion.
Materials and

Methods: This is a retrospective case series consisting of patients with impacted mandibular second molars from 2019 to 2020, who were treated with surgical extraction of the third molar and simultaneous re-positioning of the second molar. Treated patients were 11-14 years old and had panoramic radiographs demonstrating “stacked” molars in the mandible. For each patient, pre-operative, immediate post-operative, and six-month post-operative interval panoramic radiographs were obtained. Success was determined by the affected second molars being in functional occlusion with continued root development, stability, and periodontal health at the six-month follow-up visit.

Results: A retrospective chart review revealed two cases meeting the inclusion criteria. Serial follow-up appointments for each patient revealed clinically satisfied patients who met the criteria for successful re-positioning of the impacted second molars.

Conclusion: With proper timing and technique, surgical extraction of third molars with simultaneous forced eruption of impacted mandibular second molars should be considered as a reliable alternative to previously mentioned methods of treatment for bringing the second molar into functional occlusion.