An ortho-surgical approach to severe impaction using bone crestal bridge: A case report

Impaction of both mandibular canine and lateral incisor is a rare clinical finding which is often treated by way of surgical extraction. This decision is often taken because of the anatomical limitations presented by the mandible, and the horizontal position of the impacted teeth, which have occasionally transmigrated, placing them in close proximity to the roots of neighboring teeth and with a high risk for causing their resorption. In addition, this condition significantly increases the likelihood that the area involved will undergo gingival recession and loss of crestal bone if an unsophisticated ortho-surgical approach is undertaken. The present report describes a novel ortho-surgical technique which maintains the alveolar crestal bone and utilizes a lingual arch attached to the first molars with traction through tunneling with super-elastic springs. This combined approach eliminated the need for extraction of the impacted teeth, and accomplished their full alignment without any of the aforementioned side effects. Every dentist (general practitioners as well as specialists) should be aware of this procedure and refer patients to a specialist. Keywords: impaction, mandibular canine, mandibular incisor, orthodontic traction, ortho-surgery, supernumerary, surgical exposure, transmigration