Complications of surgical extraction of ankylosed primary teeth and distal shoe space maintainers.

The purpose of this report was to present the iatrogenic complications that may result from the management of ankylosed primary teeth as well as describe the case of a patient with an ankylosed primary mandibular left second molar which was surgically extracted and an adjacent primary first molar that was cemented with a distal shoe space maintainer. Aggressive surgical removal of the ankylosed tooth caused damage to the developing crown of the successor. Improper placement of the appliance caused perforation of the developing tooth follicle. Orthodontic therapy and a polycarbonate temporary crown were used to restore occlusion. Nonsurgical extractions and alternative appliances should be considered when treating patients with ankylosed primary second molars.