Kissing Molars

Abstract

Kissing molars are an extremely rare condition. They are impacted permanent molars that have occlusal surfaces contacting each other in a single follicular space with roots pointing in opposite directions. Unfortunately, because of the rarity of this clinical finding, it is difficult to propose clinical procedure protocols. In this article, we report the management of a patient with kissing molars.

Pathological mandibular fractures: a review of the literature of the last two decades

“…In the recent literature review, almost all pathological mandibular fractures following tooth removal were due to third molar removal (1,(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)). This appears to be related to the particular characteristics of third molar extraction that often require higher forces or more extensive ostectomy than other extractions, weakening the mandible for a period of time (24,25,(110)(111)(112)(113).…”

Bilateral kissing molars involving a dentigerous cyst: report of a case and discussion of terminology

“…It has also been pointed out that a dentigerous cyst cannot necessarily be diagnosed from a radiograph or even its histopathology and that macroscopic examination during surgery is sometimes necessary to fully differentiate a dentigerous cyst from a healthy or hyperplastic dental follicle. However, in an asymptomatic area with no obvious clinical or radiographic signs of disease, such as was the situation in the left‐hand side of the presented case, surgery is not necessarily indicated, and close monitoring of such cases has also been advised by other authors. This notion is further reinforced by three reported cases of temporary paraesthesia of the lower lip following surgical removal of kissing molars.…”

Expanding torque possibilities: A skeletally anchored torqued cantilever for uprighting “kissing molars”

“…Extraction of both KMs is the most usual treatment reported. [4][5][6][7]9,[11][12][13][14][15][16] However, in this young patient, having Class I KMs, extraction of first and second molars would produce an extensive occlusal sequel and early need for rehabilitation.…”

“…Surgical treatment involving extraction of 1 or both KMs is the most common protocol. 4,7,[11][12][13] The reason for this includes the high severity of the ectopic positions inherent to KMs. When molar tipping is extremely severe, showing a vertically inverted position in a panoramic radiograph (ie, root apex positioned more occlusally than the tooth crown), and the exposure level of the molar crown does not allow placement of uprighting mechanics on its buccal surface, molar uprighting may be a challenging task.…”