Early intervention of unerupted maxillary central incisor: A case series

Abstract

Early intervention of an impacted maxillary central incisor is crucial to avoid space loss with tipping of the adjacent teeth and allows normal root development. This case series demonstrates the clinical considerations of a surgical-orthodontic approach in managing this eruption anomaly and its challenges. All three cases involved young patients aged 7–9 years with an impacted upper left central incisor and a positive history of dental trauma. An upper sectional fixed appliance was bonded to facilitate the closed eruption of the impacted central incisor. The treatment duration increases when more space is required for the impacted tooth. There was a marginal gingival discrepancy of all the treated central incisors with vertical relapse seen upon review, indicating the need for a careful surgical approach with good hygiene maintenance and a bonded retainer as retention. Early referral for the management of an impacted maxillary central incisor through a surgical-orthodontic approach is often successful, but treatment risks, duration, and retention regimen should be discussed with the parents for informed consent.