A bidisciplinary approach to restore distal cervical caries in mandibular 2nd molar | [Isra Medical Journal • 2012]

Author(s):

1. Faraz Saleem: Dept of Operative Dentistry, Mohammad Bin Qasim Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan

2. Maaz Asad Javaid: Private General Dental Practitioner, Karachi, Pakistan

3. Asaad Javaid Mirza: Restorative Dental Sciences, Dental College, Almajmaah University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

4. Saadia Saad: Dept of Operative Dentistry, Mohammad Bin Qasim Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract:

Distal surface of mandibular 2nd molar is one of the most common sites for occurrence of dental caries. The distal surface of this tooth is almost inaccesable for brushing and removing food debris. Mesioangular impaction of the adjacent 3rd molar further complicates the problem. For many years it remains partially erupted and in some cases it remains partially erupted for whole life. It not only plays no role in chewing but also interferes with the function of 2nd molar. A hypofuntional tooth always encourages palque accumulation around its all surfaces especially inaccessable distal surfaces. A partially erupted 3rd molar offers more favorable conditions for plaque accumulation. Occlusal surfaces of impacted tooth form plaque accumulative crevices against the distal surfaces of adjacent second molars causing distal cervical caries. Such teeth pose great problems for their restoration due to lack of access to the carious lesion. Very often, dentists prefer to remove distally carious 2nd molars and leave the impacted tooth. Removing a tooth which after successful treatment can become a useful component of masticatory apparatus and leaving the one that does not participate in mastication is by no means a genuine practice of dentistry. CONCLUSION: Strategic value of a tooth should be kept in mind before making a decision to extract or to restore it.

Page(s): 269-271

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Isra Medical Journal, Volume: 4, Issue: 4, Year: 2012

Keywords:

Distal cervical caries , mesioangular impaction

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