From Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2021 | Pages 98-104
This case series describes a number of different treatment modalities used in the management of impacted mandibular second molars (MM2s). A variety of cases is used to illustrate a number of ways in which these teeth can be managed, and to demonstrate that each case should be managed on an individual basis, taking into account the overall malocclusion. The importance of early diagnosis and management is highlighted throughout.
The detection, diagnosis and management of impacted MM2s remain a challenge for clinicians. The definition of impaction is tooth retention due to an obstacle in the eruption path, or ectopic position of the tooth germ.1 The incidence of impacted teeth can be seen in the Table 1. The MM2 has an average eruption date of 12.5 years in the UK population. Impaction of MM2 is uncommon and reported to have a prevalence of 0.04–2.3%,7,8 but may be higher when studied in an orthodontic population.
Impactions can be described as being either generalized or localized. Generalized impactions can be associated with syndromes including cleidocranial dysplasia, Down's syndrome and cleft lip and palate. The most common factors in localized impactions include the following:
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