Primary failure of eruption (PFE) is a condition where there is eruptive failure in the permanent dentition with no obvious mechanical cause. The aetiology is believed to be an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance with variable expression. This paper reports on Asian siblings who presented with PFE of their posterior teeth, and illustrates the main presenting features of patients with PFE and the treatment modalities available to the clinician.

Ectopic eruption of canines and hypodontia is a frequently encountered clinical problem. This paper presents a case where missing teeth, a tooth of poor prognosis, and ectopic canines made it particularly challenging. The treatment comprised removal of the tooth of poor prognosis, autotransplantation of two second premolars into the extraction space and open exposure of the upper canines.