Case series: conditions inhibiting eruption of permanent first molars.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiological and histopathological findings of 11 patients with unerupted first molars to verify the factors obstructing spontaneous eruption.

METHODS: The patients' clinical, radiological, and histopathological data were evaluated retrospectively to determine histopathological diagnosis, radiographic findings, methods of surgical management, and postoperative course.

RESULTS: This study involved 4 male and 7 female patients (mean age=9.5 years old). Nine cases involved the mandible. The patients' histopathological diagnoses included 3 odontogenic tumors, 2 odontogenic cysts, and 6 hyperplastic dental follicles. Radiographically, 10 cases showed characterless enlargement of the follicular space, while only 1 displayed radiopaque bodies. One patient with a tumor underwent enucleation, and 1 with a cyst underwent cystectomy and tooth extraction. The others underwent wide excision or partial excision of the surrounding tissue at the top of the impacted tooth. Tumor relapse was observed in 3 cases.

CONCLUSION: Surgeons should perform aggressive treatment for patients with unerupted teeth because spontaneous eruption is rare in cases involving non-neoplastic lesions such as hyperplastic dental follicles.