Surgically uprighting and grafting mandibular second molars

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Periodontology

Background:

• Impacted mandibular molars present significant orthodontic challenges.
• Surgical uprighting aims to correct the position of impacted teeth for better function and aesthetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term success of surgically uprighting mesially inclined impacted mandibular molars.
• To assess the stability and periodontal health of uprighted teeth over a two-year follow-up period.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one impacted, mesially inclined mandibular molars were surgically uprighted.
• Autogenous bone grafts were used for splinting the uprighted teeth.
• A two-year follow-up was conducted to assess treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• The majority of surgically uprighted molars showed successful outcomes.
• Success criteria included continued root growth, normal pulp chambers, and healthy periodontium.
• Minor complications included two instances of follicular cysts and two cases of supereruption.

Conclusions:

• Surgical uprighting of impacted mandibular molars with autogenous bone grafting is a viable treatment option.
• The procedure generally leads to successful long-term outcomes with minimal complications.
• Monitoring for potential complications like cysts and supereruption is recommended.