Complete infraocclusion of a previously erupted primary molar: A case report

The prevalence of infraoccluded or impacted primary molars was reported to be from 1.3% to 8.9% of the population with higher incidence between siblings. This is a report of a rare case of a 10-year-and-11-month-old boy with a previously erupted primary maxillary right second molar that was restored by with an amalgam filling at about three years of age. After seven years, the said tooth was found X-ray photographically to be completely embedded into the alveolar bone with an “impacted” maxillary permanent second premolar. There was also mesial tipping of the adjacent permanent first molar. The management of this case included the use of a space regainer to correct the molar tipping, surgical removal of the ankylotic infraoccluded primary molar and the use of a palatal holding arch to correct the torsiversion. This report underscores the need for early recognition of infraoccluded/ ankylosed primary teeth by dentists for regular monitoring and timely and appropriate intervention.