Vol. 1, Issue 4, Part C (2015)

Abstract: Primary failure of eruption (PFE) is a rare condition characterized by non-syndromic eruption failure of permanent teeth in the absence of mechanical obstruction as originally described by Proffit and Vig. It involves restrained eruption of teeth with lack of identified local or general causative factor. Previous Research have correlated a genetic basis to the condition. Genetic testing used in recent years has enabled definitive verification of diagnosis in suspected patients but with the high cost associated with it not feasible for routine use. Diagnosis of PFE is difficult due to its rare occurrence and absence of clinically evident cause of eruption has led to new interest in the subject. The conventional orthodontic-surgical methods employed in the past for getting the unerupted teeth into the dental arch have failed miserably in case of PFE as the application of orthodontic force to the involved tooth results in ankylosis along with all its adverse consequences. An early and competent diagnosis of PFE enables a clinician to abandon orthodontic means doomed to failure and introduce other effective prosthetic and surgical solution for the same. Hence the review to examine the literature thoroughly and provide a complete insight of the condition is attempted.