Adrian BECKER, Professor Emeritus at the Hadassa University in Jerusalem, was among the renowned invited speakers at the most recent Journées de l’Orthodontie. With great skill, he led the post-congress course devoted to impacted teeth.
He is the author of a reference work on the subject, titled “Orthodontic Treatment of Impacted Teeth.” The third edition, published by Wiley-Blackwell in 2012, is remarkable in more ways than one.
The management of impacted maxillary canines naturally takes a leading place. The author emphasizes the value of three-dimensional imaging, particularly in cases involving close relationships with the roots of adjacent incisors: depending on the extent of resorptions observed, he considers whether or not to undertake orthodontic traction, making sure to keep
the danger well clear.
A fascinating discussion is presented on the advantages and disadvantages of the various surgical protocols. Adrian Becker, for his part, favors a minimally invasive surgery with flap repositioning to promote optimal healing of the gingiva. The quality of the periodontal results obtained with this technique
referred to as “closed technique” (i.e., closed surgical approach) is indeed assessed through the presentation of numerous clinical cases.
But the author is not limited to canines: all teeth are considered “in fine detail.” Thus, an entire chapter is devoted to impacted maxillary central incisors, whose root may be dilacerated following trauma that occurred in early childhood. The subject has rarely been addressed with such rigor and precision, whether it concerns etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, or therapy.
Multiple impactions are also discussed, in the context of local pathologies—cysts—or general conditions—cleidocranial dysplasia.
Professor Becker teaches us to arm ourselves with patience and to break down the movements: the results ultimately obtained are truly impressive.
Lastly, it should be noted that an entire chapter is devoted to causes of failure. Particular attention is given to anchorage management.
From this standpoint, mini-screws and
mini-plates offer interesting perspectives, especially for the most complex cases.
Across the 446 pages, the author conveys more than 40 years of experience in the field of impacted teeth.
His teaching is rich and dense; it is illustrated by extensive iconography and is based on a review of recent and relevant literature. Adrian Becker runs a website devoted to all the problems raised by impacted teeth. This site is aimed at orthodontists around the world, but also at
patients and their parents, seeking information on this subject.
www.dr-adrianbecker.com
Arnaud Costi
