Rescue therapy with orthodontic traction to manage severely impacted mandibular second molars and to restore an alveolar bone defect

•A patient had impacted mandibular second molars with apical first molar root resorption.•Impacted second molars were moved with mini-implants without first molar root resorption.•Orthodontic treatment provided a satisfactory and stable outcome.•The periodontium around the first and second molars was improved.•Preserving the first and second molars eliminated the need for prosthetic treatment.

This case report describes the successful treatment of severely impacted mandibular second molars with severe apical root resorption of the mandibular first molars. The vertically impacted second molars were orthodontically moved (using orthodontic mini-implants) without additional root resorption of the first molars. The orthodontic treatment provided a satisfactory and stable outcome by improving the periodontium surrounding the first and second molars. The treatment also eliminated the need for prosthetic treatment by preserving the first and second molars.