Ectopic eruption of the maxillary second molar: Predictive factors

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic aspects, contributing conditions, and predictive key factors associated with ectopic eruption of maxillary second molars.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated the study models, lateral cephalographs, and panoramic radiographs of 40 adult subjects (20 men, 20 women) with bilateral ectopic eruption and 40 subjects (20 men, 20 women) with normal eruption of the maxillary second molars. Studied variables were analyzed statistically by independent t-tests, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, followed by receiver-operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS: Tooth widths of bilateral lateral incisors, canines, and premolars were wider in the ectopic group, which resulted in greater arch lengths. The ANB angle and maxillary tuberosity distance (PTV-M1, PTV-M2) were smaller in the ectopic group. The long axes of the maxillary molars showed significant distal inclination in the ectopic group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that three key factors-arch length, ANB angle, and PTV-M1 distance-were significantly associated with ectopic eruption of the second molars. The area under the curve (AUC) was the largest for the combination of the three key factors with an AUC greater than 0.75. PTV-M1 alone was the single factor that showed the strongest association with ectopic eruption (AUC = 0.7363).

CONCLUSIONS: An increase in arch length, decrease in ANB angle, and decrease in maxillary tuberosity distance to the distal aspect of the maxillary first molar (PTV-M1) were the most predictive factors associated with ectopic eruption of maxillary second molars.