Crown and Root Lengths of Impacted Maxillary Central Incisors and Contralateral Teeth Evaluated with Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective: To assess and compare the crown and root lengths of impacted maxillary central incisors with contralateral teeth, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: Sample comprised twenty-six patients (15 males, 11 females), ranging from seven to 14 years old, with unilateral impaction of maxillary central incisors. Landmarks demarcation was performed (I) at the root apex, (II) at the incisal edge, and (III) at the midpoint between the buccal and lingual cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Linear measures were taken alongside teeth long axis, with the aid of the software tools. Crown length was considered the distance between the incisal edge and CEJ; and root length was the distance between CEJ and the root apex. Crown and root length measures were obtained in cone beam computed tomography images using the In Vivo ® Software. Measurements were compared between the impacted maxillary central incisors and contralateral teeth using paired t-test. Results: Crown and root lengths were statistically shorter (0.56 mm and 3.22 mm, respectively) in the impacted maxillary central incisors when compared to their contralateral teeth (p<0.001). This trend with regard the root length was observed in 25 out of 26 subjects, as well as in 21 subjects with regard the crown length. Conclusion: Decision-making process on the treatment plan for impacted maxillary central incisors must consider that these teeth have in average the crown lengths five per cent shorter and the root lengths 25 per cent shorter than their contralateral teeth.