title: Orthodontic-aided extraction of impacted third molar to improve the periodontal status of the neighboring tooth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the present clinical report, we describe the management and the long-term (3-year) outcome of a periodontally compromised lower second molar healed by orthodontic-aided extraction of the neighboring impacted third molar.
  
  
  METHODS
  A healthy 21-year-old woman referred signs and symptoms of pericoronitis of impacted tooth 48 and periodontal injury on the distal aspect of tooth 47. The wisdom tooth was surgically exposed, and an orthodontic appliance was anchored to the neighboring teeth to stimulate eruption. After 5 months, third molar could be easily extracted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three years after extraction, clinical and radiographic controls revealed a complete healing of the periodontal defect.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Orthodontic-aided extraction of impacted third molars may improve the periodontal status of the neighboring tooth. This protocol is not free from drawbacks and limitations and should be applied only when third-molar extraction is associated with a concrete risk of postoperative complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Odontostomatological, Orthodontic and Surgical Disciplines, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guida
authors.forename: Gian Paolo
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Cuccurullo
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lanza
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tedesco
authors.forename: Agostino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guida
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Annunziata
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D014078:Tooth Eruption; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult