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Management of an incidental radiographic finding of a severely infraoccluded primary molar Sara Gahder Atia Victoria Elton Kirsty Woodmason Dental Update 2024 45:2, 707-709.
Infraocclusion is a term that is used to describe a tooth that is positioned below the occlusal plane owing to a failure of continued eruption. It can be associated with both the primary and the secondary dentition. However, infraocclusion occurs most frequently in the primary dentition with a reported prevalence of 1.3–35.3%. The mandibular first primary molar has been identified as being the most frequently affected tooth. This case reports on the joint orthodontic and surgical management of an incidentally diagnosed severely infraoccluded primary molar. The report also aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of infraoccluded teeth.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: To provide a better understanding of the potential clinical sequelae that may occur as a result of infraocclusion and the different options available to manage an infraoccluded primary tooth.
Article
Infraocclusion of primary teeth is a relatively common clinical finding with a reported prevalence ranging from 1.3–35.3%.1 It usually occurs in the mixed dentition and the most frequently affected tooth is the deciduous mandibular first molar.1
The aetiology can differ, however, the majority of cases are associated with dental ankylosis, resulting in the affected tooth remaining stagnant whilst the adjacent teeth erupt, leading to a vertical discrepancy in the occlusal level.
Severe submergence is relatively uncommon but is associated with a wide range of undesirable sequelae. Early recognition, monitoring and, when required, intervention can help to avoid the need for surgical treatment.
This case reports on the joint orthodontic and surgical management of an incidentally diagnosed severely infraoccluded primary molar. The report also aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of infraoccluded teeth.
Infraocclusion, or submergence as it is commonly referred to, occurs when a tooth is no longer able to maintain its position adjacent to other teeth in the developing dentition. It usually occurs in the mixed dentition. The term ‘infraocclusion’ relates to the failure of continued eruption of a tooth which, following the continued occlusal eruption of the surrounding dentition, eventually leads to the tooth being positioned below the level of the occlusal plane.1,2,3
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