The role of orthognathic surgery in the treatment of severe dentoalveolar extrusion.

BACKGROUND: When mandibular molars are not replaced after extraction, the long-term problem of inadequate interarch space for either a fixed or removable prosthesis can occur. In the past, practitioners needed to decide whether to shorten the teeth, extract the supererupted maxillary molars to recapture space or leave the area unrestored. The authors present another option. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 61-year-old man was referred to a periodontist by his general dentist for placement of mandibular implants in the posterior sextant. Extreme supereruption of the maxillary dentoalveolar segment prevented restoration of the opposing edentulous area. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performed a segmental osteotomy of the posterior right maxilla to gain needed interarch space. After the osteotomy was stabilized, the periodontist placed implants that were subsequently restored with a fixed prosthesis. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The role of orthognathic surgery in treatment planning should not be overlooked in the comprehensive management of severe extrusion. It offers patients the opportunity to gain both function and esthetics that might otherwise be impossible.