Abstract
10 submerged deciduous molars in 5 children were studied longitudinally, until the eruption of their successors. The results were as follows: 1.
The situation of the occurrence.
1) There were no differences according to sex.
2) The 10 affected teeth were distributed: 4 lower first deciduous molars,4 lower second deciduous molars,1 upper first deciduous molars, and 1 upper second deciduous molars. The mandibular deciduous molars were affected significantly more than the maxillary teeth.
3) Bilateral instance was found in 1 out of 5 cases.
4) In 5 cases,4 children had some malocclusion, only 1 child had normal occlusion.
2. Of the 5 affected teeth, increased submergence occurred with 2 teeth, and with 3 teeth re-emergence of the submerged teeth was noticed.
3. Of the 10 affected teeth,5 teeth were normally exfoliated,4 teeth were extracted easily (their root resorption was normal), and 1 tooth was extracted for the purpose of orthodontic treatment. In all 10 cases, the successors erupted normally.
4. For the treatment of the submerged teeth, they were graded on clinical observation, according to the degree of submersion: slight, moderate, and severe.
5. In all cases, submerged deciduous teeth should not be removed immediately, a watchful waiting approach being best. At times, a space-maintainer(grade: moderate) or a space-regainer (grade: severe) may be used.
