Intrusion and uprighting teeth for fixed prosthesis with temporary anchorage device

The mandibular first permanent molar is usually first to erupt around the age of six. Therefore, if the oral hygiene is not impeccable, it is usually also the first permanent tooth decayed in a child's mouth. A plethora of circumstances may lead to pulpal involvement, periapical pathosis, and endodontic treatment and in unfortunate situations, removal of this tooth. If this tooth is not replaced, or the extraction space is not retained for a considerable amount of time, the posterior occlusion will collapse. The most common occurrence is tipping of teeth in juxtaposition to the extraction site and extrusion of at least one opposing tooth. This article will describe efficient uprighting and intrusion of offending teeth prior to placement of fixed prosthesis. The author will explain the procedure step by step, first on acrylic models and then on the actual patient.