A Case Report of Kissing Molars Class II

Kissing molars (KMs) is a condition of occlusal molar surfaces in a single follicular space with roots extending in opposite directions. Here, we have reported a case of KMs in a 58-year-old woman. The patient complained of pain in the right mandibular molar region and was diagnosed with KMs consisting of the right mandibular second and third molars. Because of the patient’s pain having subsided at the time of the visit and her unwillingness to undergo tooth extraction, the patient was followed up. KMs is classified into three classes (I-III) and is either true-KMs or pseudo-KMs and presents with or without cystic variants of dental follicles. The presents as true-KMs class II without a cystic variant. With reference to the literature and based on our analysis, the mean age of patients affected by this specific case of KMs is 31.7 years and unilateral KMs is relatively more common (85.7%). Histopathological findings of dentigerous cysts are more often indicated (42.9%). The treatment policy for KMs should therefore be based on the classification of KMs. Importantly, the focus should be on preserving the first and second molars as much as possible. The treatment approach, such as the employment of surgical removal or orthodontics, should be determined by considering the associated factors such as the crowns, tissues, and age of the patient.

Compensation trends of the angulation of first molars:retrospective study of 1403 malocclusion cases

We investigated the compensatory trends of mesiodistal angulation of first molars in malocclusion cases. We compared differences in the angulation of first molars in different developmental stages, malocclusion classifications and skeletal patterns. The medical records and lateral cephalogrammes of 1 403 malocclusion cases taken before treatment were measured to evaluate compensation of molar angulation in relation to the skeletal jaw. The cases were stratified by age, Angle classification and skeletal patterns. Differences in the mesiodistal angulation of the first molars were compared among the stratifications. We observed three main phenomena. First,angulation of the upper first molar varied significantly with age and tipped most distally in cases aged,12 years and least distally in cases aged.16 years. The lower first molar did not show such differences. Second, in Angle Class II or skeletal Class II cases, the upper first molar was the most distally tipped, the lower first molar was the most mesially tipped, and opposite angulation compensation was observed in Class III cases. Third, in high-angle cases, the upper and lower first molars were the most distally tipped, and opposite angulation compensation was observed in low-angle cases. These data suggest that the angulation of the molars compensated for various growth patterns and malocclusion types. Hence, awareness of molar angulation compensation would help to adjust occlusal relationships, control anchorage and increase the chances of long-term stability.

Intrusion of Overerupted Maxillary Molars with Miniscrew Implant Anchorage: A Radiographic Evaluation

The aim of this retrospective study was to quantitatively evaluate the treatment effects of in- trusion of overerupted maxillary molars using miniscrew implant anchorage and to investigate the apical root resorption after molar intrusion. The subjects included 30 patients whose average ages were 35.5±9.0 years. All patients had received intrusion treatments for overerupted maxillary molars with miniscrew anchorage. There were 38 maxillary first molars and 26 maxillary second molars to be in- truded. Two miniscrews were inserted in the buccal and palatal alveolar bone mesial to the overerupted molar. Force of 100-150 g was applied by the elastic chains between screw head and attachment on each side. Lateral cephalograms and panoramic radiographs taken before and after intrusion were used to evaluate dental changes and root resorption of molars. Only 6 of the 128 miniscrews failed. The first and second molars were significantly intruded by averages of 3.4 mm and 3.1 mm respectively （P〈0.001）. The average intrusion time was more than 6 months. The crown of the molars mesially tilted by averages of 3.1 degrees and 3.3 degrees （P〈0.001） for first and second molars. The amounts of root resorption were 0.2-0.4 mm on average. The intrusion treatment of overerupted molars with miniscrew anchorages could be used as an efficient and reliable method to recover lost restoration space for pros- thesis. Radiographically speaking, root resorption of molars was not clinically significant after applica- tion of intrusive forces of 200 to 300 g.

Incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in the native Chinese population by analysis of clinical methods

The aims of the study were to investigate the incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in a native Chinese population using radiography and clinical examination under microscope and to compare the relative efficacies of these methods. For the recognition of C-shaped root canal system, 1 146 mandibular second molars were selected and examined. Teeth with C-shaped canal systems were categorized by using the radiographic classification criteria and the modified Melton＇s method. C-shaped canals were identified in 397 （34.64%） mandibular second molars by radiography （type I, 31.23%; type II, 38.29%; type III, 30.48%）. Clinical examination showed that 449 （39.18%） cases exhibited C-shaped canal systems （C1, 22.94%; C2, 48.11%; C3a, 15.59%; C3b, 13.36%）. As for the result of the radiographic and clinical combined examination, C-shaped root canals were found in 473 （41.27%） mandibular second molars （C1, 21.78%; C2, 45.67%; C3a, 16.70%; C3b, 15.86%）. The incidence of C-shaped root canal diagnosed by radiographic method was statistically different from that by clinical examination and the combined examination （P〈O.05）. The study indicated a high incidence of C-shaped canal system in a Chinese population. The combination of microscopic and radiographic examination is an effective method in identifying the C-shaped root canal system.

Multiple Dens Evaginatus of Premolars and Molars in Chinese Dentition:A Case Report and Literature Review

Dens evaginatus （DE） is a dental anomaly that occurs as an accessory tubercle on the occlusal or lingual surface of a tooth. The authors provide a literature review and report a rare case in which DE occurs on multiple mandibular premolars and maxillary molars. The patient is a 26-year-old Chinese woman, with a chief complaint of gingival bleeding. DE affecting teeth 17, 27, 35,and 45 was found during clinical examination. For treatment of the patient, we reduced the opposing occluding teeth, while undertaking progressive grinding of the tubercles for six months. We followed-up for a year. This suggests the importance of examining for multiple DE during clinical practice.

Role of third molars in orthodontics

The role of third molars in the oral cavity has been extensively studied over the years. Literature includes numerous diagnostic and treatment alternatives regarding the third molars. However, an issue that has not been discussed at the same level is their involvement in orthodontic therapy. The aim of this study is to present a review of the contemporary literature regarding the most broadly discussed aspects of the multifactorial role of third molars in orthodontics and which are of general dental interest too.

Endodontic management of the maxillary first molars with two root canals: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND The complex anatomy of the maxillary first molars has always been a major challenge for complete root canal treatment in endodontic therapy. Here, we present two cases of maxillary first molars, each with only two root canals, which have been rarely reported. We also perform a literature review of maxillary first molar anatomy.CASE SUMMARY The two patients were referred to the hospital after 1) finding a cavity in their tooth with a color change and, 2) a toothache during mastication, respectively.Both of these cases were diagnosed as apical periodontitis by X-ray imaging and cone beam computed tomography(CBCT). Non-surgical endodontic therapy was performed with the assistance of a dental operating microscope(DOM). CBCT showed rare but accurate images of both patients, each with two root canals and two roots in their maxillary first molars. Both roots were located in the buccal in the palatal direction, and each root had only one clear root canal. In addition,each maxillary first molar in both patients was symmetrical to that on the opposing side with only two separate root canals. Non-surgical endodontic therapy was performed with the assistance of a DOM. Finally, the teeth were restored using composite resin and the patients were satisfied with the results.CONCLUSION Making full use of CBCT and DOM would contribute to helping dentists make correct diagnoses and successfully treat teeth with rare root canal morphologies.

Root canal morphology and configuration of 123 maxillary second molars by means of micro-CT

The aim of this study was to investigate the root canal configuration, accessory canals and number of main foramina of 123 maxillary second molars by means of micro-computed tomography. The teeth were scanned and reproduced with 3D software imaging. The root canal configuration and number of main foramina were evaluated by means of a four-digit system. The morphological complexity of human maxillary second molars is depicted by the number of accessory and connecting canals. The most frequently observed root canal configurations in the mesiobuccal root were 2-2-2/2 （19.5%）, 2-2-1/1 （14.6%） and 2-1-1/1 （13.0%）. A 1-1-1/1 configuration was observed in 93.5% and in 96.7% in the distobuccal and palatal roots, respectively. The MB1 mot canal had one accessory canal （18.7%）, and 8.9% of the MB2 root canal had one or two accessory canals. The distobuccal （11.3%） and palatal （14.6%） root canals had at least one accessory canal, and connecting canals were observed in 16.3% of mesiobuccal roots. The MB1, MB2, distobuccal and palatal root canals had one main foramen in 99.2%, 43.1%, 98.4% and 99.2% of samples, respectively. In the mesiobuccal root, one accessory foramen was detected in 14.6%, two were detected in 7.3%, and three were detected in 5.7%. The distobuccal root showed one or two accessory foramina in 9.1% of samples. The root canal configuration of maxillary second molars is quite heterogeneous; the mesiobuccal root has predominantly two root canal entrances （58.4%, 1 in 41.1%） with one main foramen （54.4%）. Two main foramina were observed in 43.0%. Morphological variations, connecting and accessory canals were observed in all apical thirds.

Transcriptome analysis of ankylosed primary molars with infraocclusion

Primary molar ankylosis with infraocclusion can retard dental arch development and cause dental asymmetry. Despite its widespread prevalence, little is known about its molecular etiology and pathogenesis. To address this, RNA sequencing was used to generate transcriptomes of furcal bone from infraoccluded(n = 7) and non-infraoccluded(n = 9) primary second molars, all without succeeding biscuspids. Of the 18 529 expressed genes, 432(2.3%) genes were differentially expressed between the two groups(false discovery rate < 0.05). Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis showed clear separation in gene expression between infraoccluded and non-infraoccluded samples. Pathway analyses indicated that molar ankylosis is associated with the expression of genes consistent with the cellular inflammatory response and epithelial cell turnover. Independent validation using six expressed genes by immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the corresponding proteins are strongly expressed in the developing molar tooth germ, in particular the dental follicle and inner enamel epithelium. The descendants of these structures include the periodontal ligament, cementum, bone and epithelial rests of Malassez;tissues that are central to the ankylotic process.We therefore propose that ankylosis involves an increased inflammatory response associated with disruptions to the developmental remnants of the dental follicle and epithelial rests of Malassez.

Removal of nonimpacted third molars alters the periodontal condition of their neighbors clinically, immunologically, and microbiologically

Considering the adverse effects of nonimpacted third molars(N-M3s)on the periodontal health of adjacent second molars(M2s),the removal of N-M3s may be beneficial to the periodontal health of their neighbors.This study aimed to investigate the clinical,immunological,and microbiological changes of the periodontal condition around M2s following removal of neighboring N-M3s across a 6-month period.Subjects with at least one quadrant containing an intact first molar(M1),M2,and N-M3 were screened and those who met the inclusion criteria and decided to receive N-M3 extraction were recruited in the following investigation.M2 periodontal condition was interrogated before M3 extraction(baseline)and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.Improvements in clinical periodontal indexes of M2s in response to their adjacent N-M3 removal,along with changes in inflammatory biomarkers among gingival crevicular fluid(GCF)and the composition of subgingival plaque collected from the distal sites of the M2s of the targeted quadrant were parallelly analyzed.Complete data of 26 tooth extraction patients across the follow-up period were successfully obtained and subsequently applied for statistical analysis.Compared to the baseline,the periodontal condition of M2s was significantly changed 6 months after N-M3 removal;specifically,the probing depth of M2s significantly reduced(P<0.001),the matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-8 concentration involved in GCF significantly decreased(P=0.025),and the abundance of the pathogenic genera unidentified Prevotellaceae and Streptococcus significantly decreased(P<0.001 and P=0.009,respectively).We concluded that N-M3 removal was associated with superior clinical indexes,decreased GCF inflammatory biomarkers,and reduced pathogenic microbiome distribution within the subgingival plaque.Although the retention or removal of N-M3s continues to be controversial,our findings provide additional evidence that medical decisions should be made as early as possible or at least before the neighboring teeth are irretrievably damaged.

Three-dimensional computed topography analysis of a patient with an unusual anatomy of the maxillary second and third molars

We present a case of a patient with rare anatomy of a maxillary second molar with three mesiobuccal root canals and a maxillary third molar with four separate roots, identified using multi-slice computed topography （CT） and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques. The described case enriched/might enrich our knowledge about possible anatomical aberrations of maxillary molars. In addition, we demonstrate the role of multi-slice CT as an objective tool for confirmatory diagnosis and successful endodontic management.

Bilateral maxillary fused second and third molars:a rare occurrence

This case report describes the diagnosis and endodontic therapy of maxillary fused second and third molars, using cone-beam computed tomography （CBCT）. A 31-year-old Chinese male, with no contributory medical or family/social history, presented with throbbing pain in the maxillary right molar area following an unsuccessful attempted tooth extraction. Clinical examination revealed what appeared initially to be a damaged large extra cusp on the buccal aspect of the distobuccal cusp of the second molar. However, CBCT revealed that a third molar was fused to the second molar. Unexpectedly, the maxillary left third molar also was fused to the second molar, and the crown of an unerupted supernumerary fourth molar was possibly also fused to the apical root region of the second molar. Operative procedures should not be attempted without adequate radiographic investigation. CBCT allowed the precise location of the root canals of the right maxillary fused molar teeth to permit successful endodontic therapy, confirmed after 6 months.

Three-dimensional analysis of the physiological foramen geometry of maxillary and mandibular molars by means of micro-CT

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological foramen diameter, shape and distance between physiological and anatomical apex of maxillary and mandibular first and second molars. Accurate knowledge of the physiological foramina morphology; thus, inherent mechanical shaping technical hindrances, is decisive when taking the corresponding root canal final preparation decision. The morphological dimensions of a total of 1 727 physiological foramina were investigated by means of micro-computed tomography. Mean narrow and wide （to a high number, oval） diameters of the physiological foramen were 0.24, 0.22 and 0.33 mm and 0.33, 0.31 and 0.42 mm in mesiobuccal （MB）, distobuccal （DB） and palatal （P） roots in maxillary first molars; 0.24, 0.22 and 0.33 mm and 0.41, 0.33 and 0.44 in MB, DB, and P roots in maxillary second molars. Mandibular first molars showed mean narrow and wide diameters of 0.24 and 0.30 mm and of 0.39 and 0.46 mm in mesial （M） and distal （D） roots; second mandibular molars showed 0.25 and 0.31 mm and 0.47 mm in M and D roots. The mean distance between the physiological foramina and anatomical apex was 0.82, 0.81 and 1.02 mm and 0.54, 0.43 and 0.63 mm in MB, DB and P roots of the maxillary first and second molars, respectively. A mean distance of 0.95 mm （M） and 1.05 mm （D） in the first and 0.78 mm （M） and 0.81 mm （D） in the second mandibular molars was observed. Based on the results obtained, assumable recommendations for final preparation size of the physiological foramen were calculated. However, when taking into consideration, the resulting standard deviations of marginal errors must be cautiously considered when taking a final decision in clinical endodontic treatment.

Vertical direction impaction of kissing molars:A case report

BACKGROUND Kissing molars(KMs)are a scarcely reported form of molar impaction in which the occlusal surfaces contact each other within a single dental follicle and the roots point in opposite directions.The direction of KMs impaction is generally tilted.KMs with vertical direction impaction have not been reported in the literature.CASE SUMMARY A 25-year-old female visited a dentist for right maxillary wisdom teeth extraction and was diagnosed with two vertically impacted KMs in the left mandible on panoramic radiography.After cone-beam computed tomography examination confirmed no secondary complication,the patient chose to undergo observation and regular follow-up.A literature review of KMs revealed that vertical impacted KMs are rare;high-quality evidence regarding their prevalence is still lacking.At present,the causality of KMs is controversial.In this study,we have tried to provide a detailed definition of KMs to allow an accurate evaluation of their prevalence and classification based on their impaction direction which may be related to their pathogenesis.The treatment plan of KMs depends on the condition and location of the affected teeth and associated complications;they may be either directly extracted or treated using a multidisciplinary approach including maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists.CONCLUSION KMs are a rare clinical condition of impacted teeth with unclear pathogenesis.Vertically impacted KMs were seldom reported.Reasonable definition and classification of KMs can help in the understanding of their causes and prevalence.

Distalization of maxillary molars for Class Ⅱ malocclusion with Chinese Ni-Ti coil-springs appliance

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the Chinese Ni-Ti coil-springs appliance on distalization of maxillary molars and the reciprocal effects on the anchorage teeth. Methods:Twenty-four adolescent patients(12 boys,12 girls) with Class Ⅱ malocclusion were selected and the coil-springs appliance was used during the treatment. Pre- and postdistalization lateral cephalometric radiographs were analyzed and compared. Results: The average time for the correction of Class Ⅱ molar relationship was 4.6 months. And the mean distance of molar distalization was 4.4 mm. The Chinese Ni-Ti coil-springs also demostrated less tipping and better bodily movement of maxillary molars. Conclusion: This study suggests that the Chinese Ni-Ti coil-springs appliance distalizes the upper molar significantly, while there is no remarkable loss of anchorage because of patients’ wearing headgear with J hooks at night and Class Ⅱ elastics in the day time.

Endodontic management of a fused left maxillary second molar and two paramolars using cone beam computed tomography: A case report

BACKGROUND Fused teeth usually involve several complications,such as the development of caries in the groove between fused crowns,tooth impaction,diastemas,aesthetic and periodontal problems,and pulpal pathosis,due to the complex anatomical structure of fused teeth.A thorough diagnosis is paramount to forming an accurate treatment plan and obtaining a favourable prognosis.With the advent of cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT),accurate 3-dimensional images of teeth and their surrounding dentoalveolar structures can now be readily obtained,and the technology can accurately provide a minimally invasive approach to acquire detailed diagnostic information.Therefore,we utilize CBCT data herein to generate a digital model for the infected region in a patient,and this model enables us to better plan the management of his case.CASE SUMMARY This report details the diagnosis and endodontic treatment of a rare case involving a fused maxillary second molar and two paramolars with apical periodontitis.The patient experienced pain upon biting and cold sensitivity in the area of the maxillary left molar.No caries or other defects were identified in these teeth,and a normal response to a pulp electric viability test was observed.With the aid of CBCT and digital model technology,we initially suspected that the infection originated from the isthmus between the maxillary second molar and two paramolars.Therefore,we only treated the isthmus by an endodontic approach and did not destroy the original tooth structure;furthermore,the vital pulp was retained,and good treatment outcomes were observed at the 24-month follow-up.CONCLUSION This finding may provide new insights and perspectives on the diagnosis and treatment of fused teeth.

A Case Report of Kissing Molars Class III

Kissing molars (KMs), first reported by Van Hoof in 1973, refer to molars with occlusal surfaces that contact each other in a single follicular space while their roots extend in opposite directions. This is a case of a 20-year-old male who presented with complaints of right mandibular molar pain with cold water contact and occlusion. Panoramic and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images revealed impaction of the right mandibular third and fourth molars, with the occlusal surfaces contacting each other while the roots extended in opposite directions. KMs are classified according to the impaction of the mandibular first and second molars (Class I), second and third molars (Class II), and third and fourth molars (Class III). Our patient was considered Class III. Given the patient’s preference for surgical treatment, successful teeth extraction and extirpation were performed under intravenous sedation. The patient’s postoperative course was unremarkable. We describe a case of KMs Class III with a cystic variant assessed by panoramic and CBCT images. We additionally review all KMs Class III reported in the literature.

The Buccal Lid Approach for Removal of Impacted Mandibular Molars—When, How and Why?

Background: The surgical removal of impacted mandibular molars represents one of the most prevalent procedures carried out by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Despite its prevalence, unusual impaction location of mandibular molars necessitates alternative extraction approaches. One of the methods described for extraction of deeply impacted molars is the bony lid approach which was first presented for surgical endodontic treatment of mandibular molars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of the bony lid approach in extracting mandibular molars. In addition, critical clinical key points, new aspects while performing this procedure, indications and contraindications are discussed. Materials and Methods: 9 patients were treated with the bony lid technique. A retrospective analysis of medical charts was conducted to evaluate the results of surgery. Results: The operative technique described in the article was successfully carried out in 12 cases of impacted mandibular molars. No incidence of permanent sensory deficit was recorded. In one patient, an infection mandated the removal of the bony lids. In all other cases the healing process was uneventful. Conclusion: The bony lid technique has many advantages over alternative extraction methods and should be considered as a treatment option in cases of critical proximity between an impacted tooth and the inferior alveolar nerve.

Extraction Timing of Heavily Destructed Upper First Permanent Molars

The first permanent molar as the first permanent tooth in the mouth and with a general insufficient oral hygiene of the children, is commonly subject to significant compromise which may arise due to caries or endodontic complication, or from developmental anomalies such as hypoplasia. Compromised teeth with questionable prognosis may result in short- and long-term clinical dilemmas. The aim of this research is to highlight the factors that require careful consideration when a compromised UFPM is detected and the importance of timely UFPM extraction to ensure the mesial drift of the upper second permanent molar (USPM) to fulfill the space of the extracted UFPM without any orthodontic intervention. For this purpose 52 heavily destructed UFPMs were extracted at age of 10.5 years old, 44 (84.6%) USPMs erupted exactly distal to the second premolar while only 7 (13.4%) USPMs erupted 1 mm distal to the second premolar. Clinically it is recommended to extract the heavily destructed upper first molars at age of 10.5 years old to ensure the complete closure of the extraction space by the passive mesial drift of upper second permanent molar.

Orthodontic Intrusion of over Erupted Permanent Maxillary Molars Using Temporary Anchorage Devices

In most cases, damaged mandibular molars result in over eruption of the opposing maxillary molars. This by itself constitutes a complicated clinical scenario;since the rehabilitation of the edentulous mandibular space usually requires a pre-prosthetic intervention. Multiple treatment options are valid and the choice depends primarily on the severity of the problem. Orthodontic molar intrusion is one of these options. This case report shows how the supra erupted maxillary permanent molars were intruded with the help of temporary anchorage devices placed interradicularly between the maxillary posterior teeth. A total of nine months was enough to complete the treatment. Following the orthodontic molar intrusion, the lower edentulous spaces were restored with dental implant supported prosthesis in order to establish a stable functional occlusion.