Clinical validation of modified erickson and kuroll's radiographic method for prediction of canine impaction

Maxillary canines are the most frequently impacted teeth after the third molars, with an incidence of 0.9%-2.2% where females are 2-3 times more affected. The various causes include local, systemic, and genetic factors. To prevent complications, early prediction and age-appropriate intervention are crucial for initiating timely interceptive orthodontic treatment, thereby reducing treatment duration and cost.

To validate the modified Erickson's and Kuroll's method in predicting the prevalence of canine impaction in children aged 14-18 years.

Children visiting the outpatient department in the department of pediatric dentistry from October 2024 to December 2024 with orthopantomograms (OPGs) available during their mixed dentition stage of age 7-13 years were screened. A total of 383 OPGs were retrieved. Based on the inclusion criteria, 90 OPGs of children were included, traced, and analyzed by a single operator using Modified Erickson and Kuroll's sectorial method. The clinical position of erupted canine was correlated with the predicted position and also the prevalence of canine impaction was evaluated.

The analysis of impaction parameters (sectors and angle) showed significant findings for both sides of the maxilla. Sector location was strongly correlated compared to the angles considered (P < 0.001). Twenty-two canines were impacted in total, contributing to 12.23% prevalence with cusp tips located in Sectors II, III, and IV.

Modified Erickson's and Kuroll's method for the predicted canine impaction in the present study showed a sensitivity value of 100%; hence, it can be considered as a reliable tool.