2000 Volume 13 Issue 2 Pages 437-443
This report describes the uprighting of severely impacted lower second molars using implants as an orthodontic anchorage. At first, the mandibular third molars were extracted. Four months after extraction, the implants were placed in the retromolar area about 5 mm distal to the mandibular third molar regions under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. The impacted second molars were surgically exposed and lingual buttons were bonded to the occlusal surface of the teeth. The impacted teeth were brought into the oral cavity with elastics orthodontically. The treatment time for completely uprighting the lower right impacted second molar was 4 months and that of the left one was 7 months.This uprighting technique did not adversely affect other teeth and/or dental arches as an orthodontic anchorage. Therefore, it is inferred that this technique could be an effective way to upright the impacted lower second molars.
