Infraocclusion of Primary Molars: A Review and Report of Cases

The aim of this study was to describe the distribution and degree of infraocclusion and to evaluate the influence of the age of diagnosis and treatment outcomes of primary molars during a period of 2 years. 21 patients, aged between 6 to 11 years, participated in the study. The children were subjected to clinical and radiographic examinations every 6 months during 2 years. Parameters assessed were age, gender, distribution and degree of infraocclusion based on radiographs, ankylosis, altered position of adjacent and successor teeth and treatment outcome. It has been found that the most frequently affected teeth were primary second molars located in the lower arch as bilateral occurrence. The degree of infraocclusion was considered as mild in 35, moderate in 15 and severe in 6 teeth. The successors were congenitally absent in 10 infra-occluded teeth. Tipping of neighbouring teeth and the delayed eruption of the permanent successors were found to be the most frequent complications. The treatment outcome was favourable in 78% of the cases. It could be concluded that early diagnosis, correct treatment approach and follow-ups were the main factors of a successful treatment of infra-occluded primary molars.