Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures of Surgical Exposure of Maxillary Canine Impacted: A Scoping Review

Impaction of the maxillary canine often presents a significant challenge for orthodontists. It is the second most frequently impacted tooth after third molars, with a prevalence in the general population ranging from 1% to 3%. This malocclusion can affect facial aesthetics and functional aspects, including of the development of the dental arch and occlusion. Surgical exposure is indicated when the maxillary canine exhibits delayed or failed eruption beyond the expected developmental period, or when its ectopic position threatens adjacent teeth, compromises occlusal relationships, or may result in pathological sequelae. However, the outcomes assessed in the literature for this type of treatment vary considerably, ranging from clinical parameters (eruption success, root resorption, pulp vitality, healing) to patient-reported outcomes (pain, quality of life, satisfaction, and esthetics). To date, no scoping review has systematically mapped which clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (CROMs and PROMs) have been reported in this context. This review will identify, categorize, and synthesize these outcomes, as well as the instruments used to assess them, with the aim of informing future research and supporting the development of core outcome sets.