Evaluation of the position of the impacted maxillary canine on CBCT

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of this study was to evaluate the position of the impacted maxillary canine on CBCT images. <h3>Study Design</h3> CBCT scans of 61 impacted canines in 43 patients were examined. The inclusion criteria were canine impaction, no artifacts that could compromise accurate localization of the impacted tooth, and no pathosis in the maxillae that could compromise evaluation of the tooth. The following canine-impacted related variables were evaluated: impaction side (unilateral, bilateral), impaction location (facial, center, palatal), impaction angulation (vertical, horizontal, oblique), relation to adjacent tooth (central and lateral incisors, first premolar), adjacent anatomical structures (nasal cavity, maxillary sinus, facial or palatal cortices). Patient demographic information was also collected. All variables were assessed by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist. <h3>Results</h3> Among the 43 CBCT scans, the subjects' ages ranged from 9 to 40 years old. Bilateral impacted canines were discovered in 18 subjects unilateral impactions were observed in 25. The impaction location of these canines was observed at the following frequencies: center 47.5%, facial 34.4%, and palatal 18%. Of the 61 impacted canines, the oblique angulation was the most frequent at 63.9%. In total, 78.7% of the impacted canines were in close relationship with the lateral incisor. The impacted teeth were most commonly related to the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus (62.3% and 57.4%, respectively). <h3>Conclusions</h3> CBCT allows the clinician to examine the impacted maxillary canine precisely and guide the surgeon for optimal treatment planning, which may reduce possible post-surgical complications. <b>Statement of Ethical Review</b> Human/Animal subjects were used and this study was approved by an institutional ethics panel