1998 Volume 36 Issue 1 Pages 128-132
This is a case report of a submergence which occurred in three residual primary molars, these being the left mandibular second primary molar and the right mandibular primary molars, of a 13 year and 10 month old Japanese boy.
1) The occlusal surfaces of the three teeth were mostly flat, and no mobility was recognized.
2) Two of the teeth did not show root resorption clearly by radiographic examination.
3) Pathological examination of the left mandibular second primary molar after the extraction revealed the existence of dental ankylosis.
4) These examinations indicated that continuous mechanical pressure exerted by the habit by which the patient used to bite chopsticks just before meals, could be the cause of the ankylosed tooth, and the submergence was then caused by the vertical growth of the adjacent tooth and its supporting tissues.
5) The case emphasized the importance of adequate treatment including the extraction of three teeth and the guidance during eruption for these permanent teeth at the proper time.
