[Surgical uprighting of partially impacted second molars]

Eruption of mandibular second molars usually occurs around the age of 12. Incomplete eruption of second molars in such young patients can lead to loss of the molars, due to caries, root resorption or periodontal pathology. When a pathology of this kind develops, the treatment option for a mesially impacted molar is often to extract the tooth. If tooth eruption is, however, monitored closely by the dentist and/or orthodontist, early treatment can be considered in order to preserve the tooth. Partially impacted second molars can be placed in a functional anatomical position by surgical uprighting and repositioning. As long as certain conditions are met, this results in sound functionality with preservation of the full dentition. In cases of incomplete eruption, this treatment option should therefore be considered by dentists and orthodontists before extracting the second molars.