Self-correction of the ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molar and its predictive factors: A systematic review

Background: Ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molar is a local disturbance that affects the development of the occlusion.

Aim: To evaluate the occurrence of self-correction of maxillary first permanent molar's ectopic eruption and its predictive factors.

Design: Five electronic databases and part of the gray literature were investigated. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the certainty of evidence using the GRADE tool.

Results: Four studies were selected: Three had a low risk of bias, and one, moderate. Evidence with a moderate level of certainty was generated, indicating a possibility of 47%-78% of spontaneous correction up to 7 years of age. Supporting the prognosis, whether reversible or irreversible, there was a positive correlation between the severity of the atypical distal resorption of the second primary molar, a higher magnitude of impaction, a larger eruption angle, and a bilateral occurrence with the irreversibility of the cases.

Conclusion: Spontaneous correction of the ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molar is feasible and dependent on the severity of predictive factors. Early intervention is mandatory in irreversible cases.