Radiological Assessment of Impacted Maxillary Canines: Type, Location, Position, and Relationship with Adjacent Teeth

Abstract

Introduction: Maxillary canines are the second most common impacted teeth after third molars. The reasons for impaction are numerous, ranging from highly positioned tooth buds, longer eruption paths, to trauma. The prevalence of impaction is 1–3%.

 Aim: The aim of the study is to perform a radiological assessment of impacted maxillary canines, determine the type and their position in relation to location and sectors, as well as their contact with adjacent teeth.

 Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Dental Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine. The research included patients with impacted maxillary canines. The study monitored gender, bilateral or unilateral impaction, the frequency of impaction in relation to location and sector, and examined contacts with adjacent teeth.

 Results: 32 patients with impacted maxillary canines were identified, 18 men and 14 women. The highest percentage of impaction was unilateral left canine impaction, 53.12% (17 patients). Right canine impaction was identified in 6 patients (18.75%), bilateral impaction was found in 28.12% or 9 patients. 16 patients (50%) had a vestibular position of the impacted canine, 12 patients (37.5%) had a palatal position, and 4 patients (12.5%) had the canine located in the middle of the alveolar ridge. Analysis in relation to sectors revealed that the largest number was in Sector II, 23 patients (71.87%), and 9 patients (28.12%) were in Sector III. No impacted canines were observed in Sector I. Examining the contact of the impacted canines with adjacent teeth, it was found that contact was established in 7 cases. 6 (85.71%) had contact with the lateral incisor, and 1 (14.29%) had contact with the first premolar.

 Conclusion: The most commonly impacted canine is the upper left canine. The most frequent position is vestibular, in Sector II. The most common contact of an impacted canine is with the lateral incisor.