Treatment of ectopically erupting permanent molars

Eruption of a first permanent molar ectopically is a common occurrence in any office in which a significant number of children are treated. Approximately 65 per cent of the ectopically erupting molars will self-correct. It is imperative that the dentist closely examine all preschool children to determine the possibility that the condition will occur and follow the child closely to determine the subsequent need for treatment. If clinical treatment is advisable the dentist can use a modified version of the Humphrey appliance to successfully and rapidly correct ectopically erupting molars with relative ease.