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.