Periodontal outcomes: Surgical exposure versus extraction of impacted maxillary canines

Impacted maxillary canines pose a clinical dilemma in selecting an optimal treatment modality while preserving periodontal health. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate periodontal outcomes between surgical exposure with orthodontic traction and extraction in 100 patients over 12 months. Indices assessed included plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss, gingival recession and alveolar bone levels. Results showed significantly greater increases in PPD, CAL, GR and bone loss in the surgical exposure group, while extraction maintained relatively stable periodontal parameters (p < 0.05). Thus, we show integrating periodontal risk assessment into treatment planning for impacted maxillary canines.