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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
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ectopic-molar-6-and-E.jpg?resize=207%2C171&ssl=1)
Impacted upper first permanent molar and E
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ectopic-molar-7-v2.jpg?resize=196%2C170&ssl=1)
Mesioangular impacted second permanent molar
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ectopic-molar-7-and-8s.jpg?resize=207%2C168&ssl=1)
Impacted lower second and third molars
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ectopic-molar-mesioangular-8.jpg?resize=221%2C179&ssl=1)
Mesioangular impacted lower third molar
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ectopic-molar-8.jpg?resize=225%2C180&ssl=1)
Ectopic upper third molar
(in maxillary antrum)
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ectopic-molar-8-with-pathology.jpg?resize=206%2C175&ssl=1)
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
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ectopic-molar-clinical-6-and-.jpg?resize=187%2C187&ssl=1)
Erupted or unerupted ectopic molars
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Icon-crowding.jpg?resize=186%2C189&ssl=1)
Posterior crowding
![](https://i0.wp.com/theorthoguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ectopic-molar-impacted-molars-and-canines.jpg?resize=304%2C181&ssl=1)
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