title: Surgical repositioning of a developing maxillary permanent central incisor in a horizontal position: spontaneous eruption and root formation.
abstract: This report describes the surgical repositioning of a developing maxillary permanent central incisor in a horizontal position, followed by spontaneous eruption and root formation without orthodontic traction. Surgical exposure of the right central incisor was achieved. A 7-year-old boy referred for orthodontic consultation. Radiographic examination showed the crown of a maxillary right central incisor to be positioned horizontally with root formation at the initial stage. The surgically repositioned incisor (by a close-eruption surgical flap technique) spontaneously erupted into correct alignment after 2 years 3 months. The erupted incisor remained vital and responded normally to percussion, mobility and sensitivity testing. The soft tissue, periodontal attachment, gingival contour and probing depths were normal. Follow-up radiographs confirmed the continued development of the root, with revascularization of the pulp and a normal appearance of the periodontal space and lamina dura. There was, however, shorter root formation and a narrower root cavity compared with the contralateral incisor. As a result, no orthodontic traction and alignment were required. This method of surgical repositioning is a viable alternative to the traditional approach of extraction or surgical exposure followed by orthodontic traction for a developing maxillary permanent central incisor in a horizontal position.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan. kk@denta.hal.kagoshima-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Kazuto
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuroe
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tomonari
authors.forename: Kazuhisa
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Soejima
authors.forename: Aya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maeda
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000254:growth & development / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D014078:Tooth Eruption; D018677:Tooth Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000293:injuries; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*