Treatment of infra-occluded primary molars in patients with dental ageneses

When dental agenesis is encountered, several treatment solutions can be considered: extraction of the primary tooth and closure of the space or, alternatively, conservation of the space with the primary tooth still on the arch until a prosthesis can be placed. In the presence of premolar agenesis, the corresponding primary molar may be infra-occluded relative to the occlusal plane. This situation complicates the treatment plan. Depending on the clinical setting, it can be useful to restore occlusal contacts using composite overlays. We will demonstrate this treatment option via two clinical cases. Tooth conservation helps maintain the bone volume that will later facilitate placement of an implant and limit extrusion of the antagonists as well as tipping of the neighboring teeth.