Eruption prediction of mandibular premolars associated with dentigerous cysts

ObjectiveA tooth with a dentigerous cyst (DC) does not always erupt by marsupialization. The eruption duration and conditions of DC-associated premolars were examined to predict such eruption following marsupialization.Study designThe eruption and conditions including depth, root formation, inclination, and eruption space were examined retrospectively in 21 DC-associated mandibular premolars using dental and panoramic radiograms.ResultsFifteen of 21 premolars erupted half within 3 months and all 15 erupted completely within 10 months after marsupialization, without orthodontic traction. The age of the patients, tooth depth, and inclination were significantly different between the erupted and non-erupted groups, whereas there was no significant difference in the root formation or the eruption space between the 2 groups.ConclusionsThe successful eruption of a DC-associated premolar can be predicted within 3 months after marsupialization. Furthermore, the eruption may be affected by the patient's age, tooth depth, and tooth inclination.