Radiographic localization of maxillary impacted canines: An observational cone beam computed tomographic study

Background: A thorough clinical and radiographical assessment of an impacted maxillary canine location forms the basis for proper diagnosis and successful treatment outcomes. This study was performed to localize Maxillary Impacted Canines using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). It also analyzed impacted canine angulation and proximity with impacted canine distance from occlusal plane and canine alveolar width. Material and Methods: In the present study 398 CBCT images were taken for various clinical indications of CBCT in which 169 of the patients were males and 229 were females. The age range (13-27 years) was divided into 3 groups: (13-15yrs, 16-20yrs, 21yrs). Evaluation of canine vertical and horizontal angulation, cusp tip distance from occlusal plane, root resorption of alveolar teeth, alveolar width measurement and proximity to adjacent teeth were done in both bilateral and unilateral impacted cases.Results: Palatal crown-labial root impaction (32.4%) was the most common type, pure palatal localization was seen in 27.4%, while pure labial impactions were the least frequent (17.6%). The pattern of localization varied significantly with age, suggesting developmental changes over time. 87.4% of cases showed no resorption, but when in contact, mild to moderate resorption occurred in 12.6% of cases. P-value < 0.001, confirming the statistical significance of this association. Conclusion: CBCT is a more detailed and precise imaging method compared with conventional radiographs for the localization of impacted teeth.