Surgical uprighting and repositioning of severely impacted mandibular second molars.

BACKGROUND: Impacted second molars can create problems with esthetics, masticatory function and dental arch stability. Treatment options include surgical extraction, surgical uncovering with orthodontic-assisted eruption and surgical uprighting. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors review the literature concerning surgical molar uprighting, and present a case in which the procedure was performed successfully to treat an impacted second molar in a female adolescent. The authors surgically repositioned a horizontal, right mandibular second molar that was partially impacted in bone. The patient was followed up for three years, during which time she was free of complications. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Surgical molar uprighting has been shown to be a predictable and reliable procedure. When a molar tooth is severely impacted, surgical uprighting provides a viable option when other treatment modalities are contraindicated.