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Ectopic movement of an unerupted mandibular canine
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|July 1, 1976
Summary
Unerupted mandibular canines can migrate unexpectedly during development. This case shows a canine moving horizontally over 30 months, highlighting the need to monitor eruption patterns before elective tooth removal.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Surgery
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Unerupted teeth, particularly canines, can present diagnostic and treatment challenges.
- Monitoring tooth development is crucial for predicting eruption patterns and potential complications.
Observation:
- A case of a mandibular canine exhibiting significant migration during its developmental phase is presented.
- Radiographic evidence documented the unerupted canine moving from its typical position to a horizontal orientation over 30 months.
- The migrating canine remained within the alveolar bone's cortical plates, moving towards the apical region of the mandibular incisors.
Findings:
- The unerupted mandibular canine demonstrated erratic and unpredictable migration.
- The observed movement occurred over a 30-month developmental period.
- The final position was apical to the mandibular incisors, indicating significant displacement.
Implications:
- Elective removal of permanent teeth during the mixed dentition stage should be approached with caution.
- Deferring surgical intervention until a normal eruption pattern of succedaneous teeth is confirmed is advisable.
- This case underscores the importance of vigilant radiographic monitoring for unerupted teeth with abnormal developmental trajectories.