Operative Therapy for Retained Teeth in the Maxilla

Content
In adolescence, the exposure and orthodontic classification of retained teeth, especially canines and premolars, represents a useful therapy measure. Techniques for surgically exposing vestibularly and palatally retained teeth are demonstrated using the tubed pedicle flap technique. Because epithelialized mucous membrane is covered in the tubed pedicle flap technique, a renewed growth of the exposed tooth is prevented and a classification of the tooth with orthodontic appliances under sight control is enabled. Depending on the retention form, the extent of movement, and the patient's age, exposure may no longer be possible under some circumstances, indicating the need for operative removal of the retained canine or premolar. Preoperative localization methods, vestibular and palatal operative access paths, and surgical techniques for atraumatic removal are demonstrated. Operative techniques for the atraumatic removal of retained maxillary third molars also are shown. For the gentle removal of retained maxillary third molars, it is very important to record their topographic positional relationship to the maxillary sinus and to select the cutting direction and most suitable osteotomy technique.

Outline

• Techniques for exposing maxillary canines or premolars for orthodontic classification
• Operative removal of retained maxillary canines
• Operative removal of retained maxillary third molars