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Author: Dr Shaun Goh
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Treatment Indications & Timings
Clinical Assessment & Presentations
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Description
Ectopic molar
“An ectopic molar is a deviation of normal eruption affecting any of the three permanent molars.”
– Proffit et al. 2013
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Impacted upper first permanent molar and E
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Mesioangular impacted second permanent molar
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Impacted lower second and third molars
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Mesioangular impacted lower third molar
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Ectopic upper third molar
(in maxillary antrum)
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Ectopic lower third molar with associated pathology (dentrigous cyst)
Treatment Indications & Timings
Early treatment indications:
➤ Irreversible impaction of a first permanent molar and E
➤ Ectopic first or second molar
➤ Pathology or obstruction associated with eruption paths
Comprehensive treatment indications:
➤ Ectopic first molar
➤ Ectopic second molar
➤ Impacted third molar with symptoms, pathology or risks
Clinical Assessment & Presentations
Intraoral Features
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Erupted or unerupted ectopic molars
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Posterior crowding
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Associations with other ectopic teeth
Diagnosis & Considerations
Diagnosis
- Direction of ectopia – mesio, distal, buccal, lingual, inferior, superior
- Reversible or irreversible impaction
- Obstruction caused impaction or ectopic eruption path
Clinical Considerations
- Ideal timing for interceptive treatment
Treatment Options
Click a treatment category to explore.
➤ Ectopic first molar
➤ Ectopic second molar
➤ Ectopic third molar
Associated Problems
Early loss of deciduous teeth | Crowding | Ectopic canines