Assessment of Maxillary Canine Impaction and Severity in Young Patients

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The most common form of tooth impaction is maxillary permanent canines, third molars being an exception to this rule. Ericson and Kurol estimated that impactions are twice as common in females (1.17%) as in males (0.51%). It is estimated that of all patients with maxillary impacted canines, 8% are bilateral impaction. The purpose of this study is an assessment of maxillary canine impaction and severity in young patients based on angular and linear measurements on panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study with 150 males and females, panoramic radiographs were taken between the age group of 14 and 20 years. Out of 150, in 25 Orthopantograms (OPGs), maxillary canine impaction was found. The samples were further classified into two groups involving unilateral and bilateral canine impaction. Angular and linear measurements were performed, and the linear distance between the cusp tip and apex of the cuspid was measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane or midline. Results: Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired t-test. The equality of means t-test shows that the distance measured from the canine cusp tip to the central incisor was highly significant (P < 0.05 and angular measurements were highly insignificant. The severity of bilateral impaction was found to be higher in females than males. Conclusion: The incidence and severity of bilateral maxillary canine impaction were significant in females compared to males.