Vertical direction impaction of kissing molars: A case report

BACKGROUND: Kissing molars (KMs) are a scarcely reported form of molar impaction in which the occlusal surfaces contact each other within a single dental follicle and the roots point in opposite directions. The direction of KMs impaction is generally tilted. KMs with vertical direction impaction have not been reported in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: A 25-year-old female visited a dentist for right maxillary wisdom teeth extraction and was diagnosed with two vertically impacted KMs in the left mandible on panoramic radiography. After cone-beam computed tomography examination confirmed no secondary complication, the patient chose to undergo observation and regular follow-up. A literature review of KMs revealed that vertical impacted KMs are rare; high-quality evidence regarding their prevalence is still lacking. At present, the causality of KMs is controversial. In this study, we have tried to provide a detailed definition of KMs to allow an accurate evaluation of their prevalence and classification based on their impaction direction which may be related to their pathogenesis. The treatment plan of KMs depends on the condition and location of the affected teeth and associated complications; they may be either directly extracted or treated using a multidisciplinary approach including maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists. CONCLUSION: KMs are a rare clinical condition of impacted teeth with unclear pathogenesis. Vertically impacted KMs were seldom reported. Reasonable definition and classification of KMs can help in the understanding of their causes and prevalence.