Eruption and function of maxillary third molars after extraction of second molars.

After extraction of maxillary second molars, will the third molars erupt into a functional position in a timely manner? To answer this question, 56 consecutively treated cases of maxillary second molar extraction were reviewed. The unerupted positions of the maxillary third molars were measured on cephalometric radiographs, ages of eruption were evaluated, positions of erupted third molars analyzed, and interproximal periodontal health of adjacent first molars compared. The results showed that, generally, the eruption of third molars was accelerated. Most of the third molars had acceptable interarch and intra-arch occlusal relationships. The interproximal periodontal health of the third molars was similar to that of adjacent first molars. Most maxillary third molars will successfully erupt into an acceptable position by the late teens.