Primary molars in severe infraocclusion: a retrospective study.

UNLABELLED: The term severe infraocclusion is used to describe teeth located at the level of or below the alveolar crest and is rare. AIM: The aims of the study were to evaluate the influence of age of diagnosis and treatment on the outcome of the successors of primary molars with severe infraocclusion and to propose a treatment protocol based on the age of diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with primary molars in severe infraocclusion (PMSI) in the period 1987-2001 was carried out. Parameters assessed were age, sex, degree of infraocclusion based on radiographs, altered position of adjacent and successor teeth and treatment outcome. RESULTS: The sample comprised 19 patients with 23 cases of PMSI, all were second primary molars (47.8% maxillary and 52.2% mandibular). Migration of the neighbouring tooth was present in 51.5% of cases. The PMSI treatment was by extraction in all cases, a space maintainer was fitted and remained in place until the eruption of the successor. The outcome was favourable in 82.6% of cases. CONCLUSION: Successful treatment of PMSI depends on prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment and follow-up of the cases. The earlier the age of detection, the more favourable the outcome.