Kim IH, Kang CM, Song JS, Lee J, Choi HJ, Kim SO. The Piston Elastic: A Novel Device for Treating Entrapped Ectopic Permanent Molars.
CHILDREN 2021;
8:children8080652. [PMID:
34438543 PMCID:
PMC8392756 DOI:
10.3390/children8080652]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ectopic eruption of the permanent molar may absorb the distal root of the primary second molar and may result in a decreased arch length or delayed eruption of the permanent tooth, requiring timely treatment. Therefore, we devised an effective and convenient method to unlock the entrapped tooth using a novel device called a “piston-elastic”. This case report aims to explain the design and clinical application of this piston-elastic and to describe successful cases. Three patients (aged 6, 13, and 16 years) with ectopically erupted maxillary and mandibular molars, respectively, were treated with a piston-elastic. It was bound to the locked molar to improve the eruption path. After a certain time period, the repulsive force pushed the surface of the adjacent tooth, improving the eruption path of the entrapped tooth. The piston-elastic is a novel device that simply and effectively changes the direction of eruption of ectopically entrapped molars. As it can be manufactured and attached to the chair side, impression acquisition on a model cast and laboratory procedures are unnecessary. Compared to existing methods, the piston-elastic can be easily produced and delivered, causes little irritation, and is inexpensive.
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