Surgical uprighting and repositioning of severely impacted mandibular second molars.

BACKGROUND

Impacted second molars can create problems with esthetics, masticatory function and dental arch stability. Treatment options include surgical extraction, surgical uncovering with orthodontic-assisted eruption and surgical uprighting.

CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors review the literature concerning surgical molar uprighting, and present a case in which the procedure was performed successfully to treat an impacted second molar in a female adolescent. The authors surgically repositioned a horizontal, right mandibular second molar that was partially impacted in bone. The patient was followed up for three years, during which time she was free of complications.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Surgical molar uprighting has been shown to be a predictable and reliable procedure. When a molar tooth is severely impacted, surgical uprighting provides a viable option when other treatment modalities are contraindicated.