Impacted maxillary canine: Assessment of prevalence, severity and location of root resorption on maxillary incisors: A retrospective CBCT study

Background

The maxillary permanent canine is one of the most frequently impacted teeth, which often requires multidisciplinary management. A common complication of canine impaction is root resorption of the adjacent dentition. The aim of this retrospective study was to report the prevalence of root resorption of maxillary incisors adjacent to impacted maxillary canines from small volume CBCT images by trained clinicians. A secondary objective was to report the location and severity of root resorption.

Material and methods

CBCT images of patients with impacted maxillary canines (unilateral and bilateral) who attended a joint orthodontic/surgical multidisciplinary clinic were screened. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate associations of patient characteristics and presence of root resorption. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) logistic regression model were used to identify predictors of root resorption.

Results

In all, 148 impacted maxillary canines (122 patients) were analysed. The majority of patients were under 18 years of age (71.6%) with impacted canines present in more females (68.2%) than males (31.8%). Maxillary lateral incisors showed the highest prevalence of root resorption (38.5%). The apical region was the most common location of resorption for lateral incisors (20.9%) with a variable degree of severity evident: slight (10.1%), moderate (15.6%), and severe (12.8%). Although no significant predictors of root resorption were identified, a weak association was evident for age and root development.

Conclusions

In this cohort of patients, the roots of maxillary lateral incisors are most likely to suffer from root resorption in the presence of an impacted maxillary canine. Clinicians should consider the extent, location and severity of resorption of adjacent teeth when planning treatment decisions and mechanics in cases of impacted maxillary canines.