Horizontally impacted second and third mandibular molars. A rare case, review of the literature and description of the surgical technique for removal

Abstract

Horizontally impacted mandibular molars are not uncommon. However, we report a rare case of a horizontally impacted stacked second and third mandibular molar. This paper presents adaption of the principles of surgical exodontia to account for rare variations in abnormal anatomy and a review of the literature, weighing up the balance between orthodontic intervention and surgical removal. Successful removal depends on careful surgical planning and respect for the surrounding anatomical structures whilst following the principles of surgical exodontia.