Eruption of a severely displaced second permanent molar following surgical removal of an odontoma.

The process of tooth eruption is very complex, and many of its factors remain unknown. Although radiographic features can provide clues into the eruptive potential of a tooth, underlying factors that affect tooth development and eruption are not as well defined, ranging from local disturbances to systemic disease. In addition, it is difficult to predict which teeth will require treatment and when the optimal time is to intervene. The purpose of this report is to illustrate the eruption potential of an impacted molar following the removal of a developing odontoma, despite its unfavorable position in the bone, complete root development, and orthodontic attachment loss.