Premolarization of a fractured maxillary first molar: a multidisciplinary treatment
Article Abstract:
Cases in which a tooth is fractured or cracked can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Symptoms usually include pain when biting down and sensitivity in the tooth, but often no abnormality is seen on X-ray. If the patient has other problems, such as caries, impacted teeth, or sinus infection, it may be especially difficult for the dentist to diagnose a fractured or cracked tooth. The case is described of a 28-year-old man who had experienced intermittent pain in the right upper jaw. It was at first concluded that the pain was originating from the third molar (wisdom tooth) on that side, so all four impacted third molars were removed by an oral surgeon. The pain continued, and the lymph node in the neck was found to be swollen. X-rays then revealed the fracture in the right first molar. The fracture divided two of the roots of the tooth from the third root; the two roots were removed in an attempt to retain and restore the one remaining root. The tooth was recontoured (a process known as premolarization) in order to make it smaller and smoother. The patient then had essentially half of the first molar left (normally a large tooth), and using orthodontics (braces) it was turned sideways so that it would be positioned in line with the adjacent teeth. Finally, a full crown was placed over the tooth and the treatment was complete. This extensive treatment, which took 22 months, combined techniques from many specialties within dentistry to save the natural tooth and avoid the need for a denture. This is a useful approach, but requires that the patient be willing to devote substantial amounts of time, money and cooperation to achieve the desired result. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1990
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Immediate placement of implants in extraction sites of maxillary impacted canines
Article Abstract:
Researchers discuss the treatment of a patient with impacted canine teeth on both sides of the upper mouth. An impacted tooth is a tooth that remains inside the gum, often because it is oriented in the wrong direction. In the case of an impacted canine, if the patient loses the other canine, the impacted one will have to be treated so it breaks through the gum. In this case, dentists removed the impacted canines and replaced them with synthetic implants and crowns.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1999
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The not-so-harmless maxillary primary first molar extraction
Article Abstract:
The premature loss of the maxillary primary first molar can have an adverse impact on the subsequent eruption of the first premolar. Several techniques are described to prevent the first premolar from erupting in an abnormal direction.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 2000
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