Three-dimensional position of impacted maxillary canines: Prevalence, associated pathology and introduction to a new...

Classification of impacted maxillary canines facilitates interdisciplinary communication. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has proven to be superior for the localization of impacted maxillary canines compared with 2D imaging. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively classify a cohort of impacted maxillary canines, using a new developed 3D classification for impacted maxillary canines that is easy to use and does not require complex analysis of the 3D images. A retrospective cohort study was designed, containing CBCT data of 130 patients (male/female: 48/82; median age 16) with a total of 162 impacted maxillary canines. The proposed classification was based on four criteria: vertical crown position, mesiodistal tooth postion, bucco-lingual crown position, and associated pathology. For all included patients, classification criteria were identified and correlated to treatment selection using a newly developed 3D classification. The most common positions were vertical crown position at apical one third of neighboring teeth, mesiodistal tooth angulation, and palatal crown position. The most frequent associated pathologies were dilaceration of the root and resorption of a neighboring tooth. Significant associations among classification variables and treatment options were observed. Limitations of this study are the retrospective design. CBCT enabled 3D assessment of impacted maxillary canines allowing a classification system that may have an impact on further treatment strategies.