Characteristics of Gubernacular Canal of Impacted/ Unerupted Canine in Relation to Eruption Status by Using CBCT

Abstract

To evaluate detection rates and morphology of gubernacular canal (GC) in impacted/ unerupted canine, and to determine whether there is a difference in GC characteristics between impacted and unerupted canine. Subjects and Methods: By using CBCT, GCs were retrospectively analyzed in 300 patients with 432 impacted/ unerupted canine (96 males, 204 females; Age range, 7 to 54 years). Each imaging system software was first converted the CBCT pictures to volumetric data, from which reconstructions on multiple planes were done. Axial, sagittal, and coronal views were provided for each CBCT exposure. Furthermore, coronal sections and corrected sagittal were ready to assess all impacted/ unerupted canines for the presence of GCs, alteration in shape of GC, opening site of GC in the alveolar crest, attachment site of GC to the dental follicle, and canine eruption status. Results: The normal or delay eruption status of canines had high detection rate which were 95.9% and 100% respectively, unlike the impacted canine which had a low detection rate which was 71.2%. Only 8.9% of detected GC had alteration in shape. 54.1% of GC opened palatal or lingual to alveolar crest, 21.9% of GC was continuous with periodontal ligament (PDL) of primary canine, 20.5% of GC opened in the center of alveolar crest, and 3.5% of GC opened Buccally. 59.1% of GC was unusually attached to dental follicle, and 40.9% of GC was usually attached to dental follicle. There was a high significant difference between canine eruption status and characteristics of GC. Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that the characteristics of GC in impacted/ unerupted canine may be a sign of an abnormal eruption condition.