Treatment of ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molar in children and adolescents: A scoping review

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ABSTRACT

Aim

Ectopic eruption of the first permanent molar (EFUPM) is defined as its local disturbed eruptive behaviour, positioning too mesially against the distal aspect of the second upper primary molar during the developing mixed dentition. The EFUPM prevalence is up to 6% and affects both genders equally. The present study aimed to perform a scoping review to collect the most relevant studies published in the last 30 years and focused on the different strategies, traditional and novel, for treating irreversible uni- or bilateral EFUPM in children. This review also aimed to make recommendations and map the gaps in this clinical topic.

Methods

An electronic and manual search was conducted in five databases according to previously established eligibility criteria, using different combinations of keywords, MeSH terms, and Boolean operators. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles were screened and selected by pre-calibrated reviewers. A data charting was also accomplished for summarising the overview of the evidence.

Results

A total of 54 references were identified and 40 titles remained after removing duplicates; then, 31 potential full-text articles were carefully reviewed. Finally, 27 relevant and most informative studies were included. Most studies were case reports and/or clinical treatment descriptions. We also found some descriptive or comparative cross-sectional or cohorts designs. No randomised clinical trials were found.

Conclusion

Paediatric dentists must learn to diagnose and treat this condition early in order to allow the prevention of future malocclusions and other clinical sequelae. Practitioners have at their disposal a variety of corrective options available for the successful resolution of EFUPM.

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