Impacted Canines: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Categories: CBCT, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics

Author(s): Christopher Canizares DMD, Laurance Jerrold DDS, JD, ABO

Course Type: Self-instruction journal and web based activity

Target Audience: Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienist, Dentists from novice to advanced

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Educational Objectives

Impacted Canines: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management 

The overall goal of this article is to provide the reader with information on impacted canines. After completing this article, the reader will be able to:
1. Describe the radiographic investigations that may be required to assess impacted canines
2. List etiological factors for impacted canines
3. Review the rationale for interceptive orthodontics and methods used in intercepting impacted canines
4. List and describe treatment options and considerations involved in the treatment of impacted canines.

Abstract

Impacted canines are frequently encountered in clinical practice and a common obstacle during routine orthodontic care. While canine impaction is multifactorial, the exact etiology is not always known. Impacted canines should be identified and diagnosed as early as possible to determine and permit the best path of treatment. In some cases, interceptive orthodontics at a young age can resolve canine impaction; for example, by extracting the primary canine and/or the primary first molar. Treatment options for impacted canines include extraction of primary canines and molars, rapid maxillary expansion, canine substitution, autotransplantation, surgical exposure, and orthodontic extrusion, and for those with a poor prognosis, extraction.