Ankylosis or primary molars: a future periodontal threat to the first permanent molar?

Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Lutheran Medical Center

Resident’s Name: Derek Banks Date: March 27, 2009
Article title: Ankylosis or primary molars: a future periodontal threat to the first permanent molar?
Author(s): J Kurol
Journal: Euro J Orthodontics
Volume (number): 13(5)
Month, Year: October 1991
Major topic: Eruption and Exfoliation
Minor topic(s): Ankylosis
Type of Article: part-retrospective study
Main Purpose: To determine if treatment modality (extract vs. let exfoliate) of infraoccluded primary second molars affects periodontal health of the first permanent molars
Overview of method of research: 68 subjects with history of ankylosed primary second molars. 57 had a follow-up (about 8 years later) clinical and radiographic exam. 11 had only a radiographic exam. Probing depths and bone levels were checked.
Findings: No significant periodontal defects were found in either group. In the extraction group 2 out of the 32 teeth had some bone loss, but normal periodontal probing depths. In the exfoliation group no appreciable bone loss or periodontal pockets were noted.
Key points/Summary : Do we really need to take out ankylosed primary second molars? From a strictly periodontal standpoint, not necessarily.
Assessment of article: Good article.