Three-dimensional evaluation of angular,linear, and resorption features of maxillary impacted canines on cone-beam computed tomography

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the localization, angulation, and resorption features of maxillary impacted canines on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

This retrospective study examined the CBCT scans of 140 maxillary impacted canines in 102 patients (43 males, 59 females; mean age: 16.25 ± 6.31 years). The following impacted canine-related parameters were analyzed on the CBCT images: impaction side; location; root resorption levels of adjacent teeth; occlusal plane and midline distances of impacted canines; and angulations of impacted canines to midline, lateral incisor, and occlusal plane.

Results

Bilateral canine impaction was found in 38 subjects, and unilateral canine impaction was present in 64 subjects. Severe resorption was found in 14 canines. There were no significant differences between the occlusal plane and midline distances to the impacted canine cusp tip and root apex (p > 0.05). The midline angulation of right maxillary impacted canines was significantly higher than that of left maxillary impacted canines (p < 0.05), while the occlusal plane angulation of left maxillary impacted canines was significantly higher than that of right maxillary impacted canines (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Maxillary canine impaction was more frequently seen in female subjects than in male subjects. Lateral incisors were more frequently affected than first premolars, and slight resorption was more frequently seen in adjacent teeth. CBCT assessment of maxillary impacted canines can provide accurate measurements of angular, linear, and resorption parameters.