Relationship of Submerged Deciduous Molars to Root Resorption and Development of Permanent Successors

Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Lutheran Medical Center

Resident’s Name: Chad Abby Date: 2/20/2009
Article title: Relationship of Submerged Deciduous Molars to Root Resorption and Development of Permanent Successors
Author(s): S. Steigman, E. Koyoumdjisky-Kaye, and Y. Matrai
Journal: Journal of Dental Research
Volume (number): Vol 53, No. 1
Month, Year: January – February 1974
Major topic: Root resorption
Minor topic(s): relationship of submerged deciduous molars to root resorption and development of permanent successors
Type of Article: Clinical Study
Main Purpose: To determine whether submerged deciduous molars are a source of disturbance of the normal development of the permanent dentition and whether extraction is advocated.
Overview of method of research: Two-hundred seventy children (115 aged 4-6 years and 155 aged 7-10 years) with submerged, cariesfree deciduous molars participated in the study. A comparable sample of 270 children with normal, cariesfree deciduous molars served as a control. All deciduous molars with marginal ridges below those of the adjacent teeth were considered “submerged.” Root resorption was divided into six stages: no resorption, apex only, a third of the root, half of the root, two thirds of the root, and complete resorption of the root. In children with unilateral submerged molars, healthy contralateral teeth were used as controls.
Findings: No differences were found in the rate of root resorption between submerged and normal deciduous molars. The process of submerging in the deciduous molars did not delay the development of their permanent successors. Submerged deciduous molars should not be extracted unnecessarily.
Key points/Summary : It can be assumed that submerged teeth usually have no causative influence on the rate of development of their successors, and that the process of submerging should not be held responsible for retarded resorption of deciduous roots. Submerged teeth often exfoliate spontaneously in the normal age range. It was thought that submerged teeth should be extracted because they prevent the eruption of the succeeding permanent teeth. However, on the basis of this article a more conservative approach is suggested. Instead teeth need to be observed closely clinically and radiographically and only when it becomes obvious that resorption is not proceeding normally or that adverse occlusal changes are taking place, should extraction be considered.
Assessment of article: Good article, somewhat dated