Eruption Disturbances Of First And Second Permanent Molars – A Review

Eruption disturbances of permanent molars can manifest as impaction, primary retention, secondary retention and primary failure of eruption. This may result in clinical problems such as posterior open bite and loss of neighboring teeth due to caries and periodontal disease. Till now, the delineation between eruption disturbances has been based on ambiguous clinical characteristics. The low prevalence of impaction of the first and second permanent molars and difficulty in distinguishing between various eruption disturbances have been major factors underlying the lack of uniformity in the management of these disturbances. For the clinical orthodontist, diagnosis of an eruption disturbance is of tremendous value because it can facilitate correct management of orthodontic problem. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the pathogenesis and differential radiographic interpretation of eruption disturbances. Treatment recommendations are also reviewed.