Multidisciplinary management of permanent first molar extractions

The first molar has been reported to be the most caries prone tooth in the permanent dentition. Orthodontists are treating more adult patients who are more likely to have missing and severely decayed first molars. This article will show the various orthodontic and restorative options for first molars that are already extracted or have to be extracted. The following clinical situations will be addressed: molar uprighting and its advantages for the future restoration vs orthodontic space closure, strategic extraction of salvable first molars, impacted molars, and early extraction of compromised permanent first molars in young children.