[Diagnostic evaluation of abnormally erupted maxillary canines]

Impaction of the maxillary canine is not a rare affection. A correct treatment can be appointed only after a serious evaluation of the case. In this work, the Authors describe clinical and radiographic methods which give the possibility to make a correct diagnostic evaluation of the maxillary canine impaction. A correct radiographic analysis could allow to three-dimensionally locate the impacted teeth and to show resorptions or ankylosis. Literature reports a great number of radiographic analysis; conventional methods can be used in simple cases, but, in difficult cases, some Authors suggest to use five different projections. New technologies in digital radiology allow to have high quality images, using which it is possible to make a diagnosis of great accuracy, also in difficult cases. Bidimensional images can show little particulars; three-dimensional images give the possibility to understand immediately the problems of the case also to not expert operators. The rate of radiation absorbed by the patient is similar to a panoramic radiograph. These characteristics make CT the method of election in difficult cases of maxillary canine impaction.