Integrated treatment between orthodontics and pediatric dentistry using the ulectomy technique: case report

Introduction: In the pediatric dental clinic the impacted teeth can be observed eventually, which can lead to the development of occlusion disorders. Objective: This study aimed to report a clinical case in which the surgical technique of ulectomy was used in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to aid the eruptionof a maxillary central incisor. Case Report: Male patient, 13 years old, Angle Class I in the mixed dentition stage, with the tooth 21 impacted and reduced space for its eruption due to the migration of adjacent teeth. Fixed appliance was mounted with Edgewise brackets using 0.20" stainless steel archwire with tight omega and active spring between teeth 11 and 22 to recover the space of 21, but the passive eruption was not observed. A fibrous gingival tissue was found, which by palpation revealed the incisal edge of the tooth 21. The patient was referred to a pediatric dental clinic for a ulectomy. The minimally invasive surgical procedure consisted of the excision of the gingival tissue that covered the crown of the tooth 21 allowing its eruption in the dental arch. After the surgery, the teeth erupted and corrective orthodontic treatment continued. Conclusion: The ulectomy technique associated with orthodontic treatment allowed to reestablish conditions for the development of dentition with satisfactory aesthetic and functional characteristics.