An alternative treatment for the severely resorped maxillary lateral incisor: a sequela of ectopic eruption

At times dental crowding, maxillary arch inadequacy, or an abnormal lingual or horizontal position restricts the eruption of the maxillary cuspid. This ectopic eruption can cause the canine to compress the blood supply to the periodontal tissues of the adjacent lateral incisor. If undiagnosed and untreated, physiological and chemical changes are induced, and the lateral root undergoes resorption. When the resorption is severe enough to endanger the retention of the lateral, an endeosseous stabilizer can be placed through the root and extended into the bone to stabilize the tooth artificially. Two cases demonstrate the technique and success of such treatment.