The surgical-orthodontic management of combined impacted maxillary second and third molars.

BACKGROUND: A correlation between impacted maxillary third molars on the eruption potential of the maxillary second molar has been identified. There is little published evidence available in the literature regarding a treatment modality for this presentation. AIMS  : The aim of this case series is to propose a joint surgical and orthodontic approach for the management of such cases. METHOD  : A retrospective search of all patients treated for impacted second and third maxillary molars from 2014 to 2020 revealed 24 cases. Surgical planning was facilitated with the use of a CBCT to help orientate the teeth in 3-D and assess any associated pathology to nearby structures. Twenty-three cases were treated via surgical removal of the impacted third molar and subsequently monitored for spontaneous maxillary second molar eruption.

CONCLUSION: All treated cases showed complete or partial spontaneous eruption followed by orthodontic repositioning if required.