Primary failure of eruption of primary molars: A review and case report

Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Lutheran Medical Center

Resident’s Name: Laura Randazzo Sabnani Date: April 10, 2009
Article title: Primary failure of eruption of primay: A review and case report
Author(s): Mai Diab, DDS
Journal: Quintessence International
Volume (number): 32, Number 1
Month, Year: 2001
Major topic: Failure of eruption of primary molars
Minor topic(s:
Type of Article: Review and Case report
Main Purpose: To review the characteristics, etiology, and sequelae, of primary failure of eruption of primary molars and to describe a case of an unerupted mandibular primary second molar in a healthy 5 year old girl
Overview of method of research: N/A
Findings:N/A
Key points/Summary: Primary failure of eruption also known as primary retention is an abnormality of tooth eruption causing cessation of eruption before the tooth comes into the mouth and causing it to be deeply embedded in the alveolar bone. Secondary failure of eruption is a termination of the eruptive process after the tooth has emerged into the oral cavity, resulting in infraocclusion associated with impaired growth of the alveolar bone. Possible complications of primary failure of eruption of primary molars include malformation, impaction, or ectopic eruption of the succeeding premolars. It may also cause inversion of the between the premolar and embedded primary molar and/or ectopic eruption of the permanent first molars. The case report followed a 5 year old female who had the embedded first molar surgically extracted and a space maintainer placed and regular follow-ups. Assessment of article: Great article