Idiopathic failure of eruption of permanent molar teeth.

Failure of permanent teeth to erupt without any known cause is a seldom occurring phenomenon. However, it brings to light our ignorance of the basic physiologic mechanism of tooth eruption. In this article we present five patients with unerupted permanent molar teeth. In all instances, no obvious cause exists. Indications for operative intervention and management are discussed, but the cases are also presented to focus attention on our lack of knowledge of the physiology of tooth eruption.