You find that a lower mandibular molar is ectopically erupting. What should you do?

ECTOPIC ERUPTION of a permanent molar (typically upper first molar resorbing the second primary molar distally) is treated with a COIL SPRING or BRASS WIRE SEPARATOR to tip the ectopically erupting tooth back into normal position. This creates space and allows normal eruption. Extraction of the second primary molar (A) may be necessary if severe, but first-line is interceptive/conservative (coil spring). Early extraction can cause space loss. B is correct first-line treatment.