Case report: Management of an impacted second premolar

Impaction of mandibular second premolar teeth may result from local factors such as abnormal positioning of the tooth bud and insufficient space in the dental arch. It can also be caused by ankylosis, early exfoliation, or prolonged retention of the primary second molars. Pathological factors such as alveolar cysts or odontomes have also been implicated. The recommended treatment for these cases varies according to case-specific clinical characteristics. This may include periodic observation, space maintenance, or surgical exposure with/without orthodontic traction or extraction. In this paper, the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment planning for mandibular second premolar impaction are reviewed. Furthermore, the treatment of one case will be presented.