This paper consist of a literature review about the prolonged retention of the primary molars and two clinical case reports with the purpose of describing the the diagnosis, etiology, the clinical implication and the recommend treatment for this condition. Local, environmental or genetic etiological factors may lead to over-retention of primary molars, interfering in the normal sequence of the eruption of the premolars. In the two case reports presented the patients'dental eruption showed not to be compatible to their chronological age. The recommended treatment was based on the extraction of the retained elements followed by the space maintenance and by clinical and radiographic control until the eruption of the succedaneous teeth.The early diagnosis and intervention are very important to prevent damages to the occlusion.
Retention; Deciduous molars; Treatment
