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Primary molars in severe infraocclusion: a retrospective study
E Quintero1, M E Giunta, A Cahuana
1Department of Orthodontics-Paediatric Dentistry, University Hospital Sant Joan de Dèu, Barcelona, Spain.
European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|July 23, 2003
Summary
Early diagnosis and treatment of severe infraocclusion in primary molars lead to favorable outcomes. Prompt intervention and appropriate follow-up are crucial for successful management of primary molars in severe infraocclusion.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Dental Development
Background:
- Severe infraocclusion describes primary molars positioned at or below the alveolar crest, a rare condition.
- This malocclusion can impact adjacent teeth and the eruption of permanent successors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how age at diagnosis and treatment influences the outcome of permanent successors affected by severe infraocclusion of primary molars.
- To develop a treatment protocol guided by the age of diagnosis for this condition.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 19 patients (23 cases) with primary molars in severe infraocclusion (PMSI) between 1987 and 2001.
- Radiographic assessment of infraocclusion degree, evaluation of adjacent/successor tooth positions, and treatment outcomes were recorded.
Main Results:
- All 23 cases involved second primary molars, with 51.5% showing adjacent tooth migration.
- Treatment universally involved extraction of the affected primary molar, followed by space maintainer placement until successor eruption.
- A favorable outcome was achieved in 82.6% of the treated cases.
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis and timely, appropriate treatment are key to successfully managing primary molars in severe infraocclusion (PMSI).
- Earlier detection of severe infraocclusion correlates with a more favorable treatment outcome.