Cone beam computed tomography role in diagnosis and treatment of impacted canine patient's: a case report

A tooth is impacted when its apex is formed but does not erupt as expected during the physiological timeframe of eruption. The frequency with which the upper canine is impacted in the sample examined varies from 1% to 5% of the population in the second decade of life. The most frequent causes of inclusion of the upper canine are: lack of resorption or precocious loss of the root of the deciduous, agenesis of the lateral, an anomaly in its shape, lack of space in the arch, presence of a mechanical obstacle to the eruption, and lastly due to hereditary factors. When dental impaction is suspected, radiographic examination is indicated to evaluate the effect that the impacted element is having in the context of the osseous structure and to evaluate its relationships with adjacent teeth, the presence of mechanical obstacles, the placement of the inclusion and its orientation in space, how well developed the root is, and any anomalies in its shape. In addition to the classic orthopantomography (OPT), endoral radiography, teleradiography, can be used in order to obtain three-dimensional and life-size images, techniques of computed tomography (CT). In particular, cone beam CT, obtains this type of image using a radioactive dose comparable to that obtained summarizing the classic radiographic examinations requested by an orthodontist and moreover less that that administered when using classic multi-layer spiral CT medical equipment. This case report describes the diagnostic iter and orthodontic-surgical treatment of a patient with enclosure of the right upper canine.