Orthodontic traction of an impacted maxillary third molar through a miniscrew-anchored cantilever spring to substitute the adjacent second molar with severe root resorption.

BACKGROUND

An orthodontic traction technique with a miniscrew-anchored cantilever spring was used for the traction of a deeply impacted maxillary third molar to substitute its adjacent second molar with severe root resorption.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 30-year-old woman sought multidisciplinary treatment planning for a second molar with severe root resorption caused by a deeply impacted third molar. Panoramic radiographs and cone-beam computed tomographic images showed that the third molar was located on the apical and palatal side of the second molar and that the second molar had severe root resorption. The second molar was removed, and the impacted third molar was orthodontically tractioned occlusally with the aid of a miniscrew-anchored cantilever spring. After 12 months of orthodontic treatment, the maxillary left third molar was successfully tractioned occlusally and well aligned with adjacent teeth for the substitution of the second molar. The patient was satisfied with the treatment outcome.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: A palatal miniscrew-anchored cantilever spring is an effective and viable technique for the orthodontic traction of deeply impacted third molars to substitute second molars with severe root resorption.