The eruptive potential of teeth: a case report of a wandering lower second premolar

This is a case report of the behaviour of two deep, unerupted, apparently impacted and seemingly similarly positioned, lower second premolar teeth in a fourteen year old girl. 5 showed the powers of complete recovery and eruption that are demonstrated by most unerupted lower second premolars if they are given adequate time. The appropriate management of “apparently impacted” lower second premolars is discussed. The position of 5 was recorded over a six year period and during this time it travelled distally almost as far as the coronoid notch at a steady rate of approximately 7 mm per year. Whilst the apex was initially open it was closed during the latter years of the migration of the premolar. The theories of eruption are then discussed in relation to this case.