Figure 1. Ameloblastoma.
Figure 2. Six Months post-operative. Repair with split
rib and reconstruction plate.
Do posterior teeth supra-erupt when opposite resected segments have not been
prosthetically restored?
5. Conclusion
Posterior teeth opposing unrestored resected
segments of the maxilla or mandible did not supra-
erupt over long periods of time. It is speculated
that the interposition of the tongue to brace the
mandible on swallowing prevents the unopposed
molars and premolars from supra-erupting.
Figure 3. Six years post-operative. No supra-eruption
of the teeth opposing the resected section.
Moreover, it seems that the ventral surface of the
tongue can also function in this manner preventing
super eruption of mandibular teeth. It is noteworthy
that super eruption did not occur in patients were
the surgical reduction extended beyond the
definition of the SDA to include premolars, canines
and even the incisor teeth. These situations may
be considered as unilateral ultra-shortened dental
arches. Even in patients who underwent partial
glossectomies, the remaining tongue appeared to
preserve oral function and hinder super eruption.
However, prosthetically augmenting the palate
for lowering the occlusal plane and thus enabling
the remaining tongue to keep the bolus over the
dorsal surface, is still advocated in some patients. 16
Further lowering the occlusal plane may bring
it below the maximum ability of the buccinators
contraction. 17
To summarize, within the limits of this study,
restoration of the posterior jaw defects merely
for prevention of future super eruption appears
unjustified. Thus the time-old principle by
DeVan “Our objective should be the perpetual
preservation of what remains rather than the
meticulous restoration of what is missing.” is still
valid. 18
Stomatology Edu Journal
Figure 4. Ameloblastoma. Treated by hemi
mandibulectomy and restored with split rib and
reconstruction plates .
Figure 5. Twenty two years post operative. No supra-
eruption of the unopposed maxillary teeth opposite
the resected segment.
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