Diagnosis and prevention of maxillary cuspid impaction

Upper cuspid impaction is a serious problem that occurs with sufficient frequency to justify diagnosis and intervention as early as a dental age of 8 years. Screening consists of identifying patients who lack a normal cuspid bulge on palpation, with follow-up radiographic evaluation where indicated. Selective removal of deciduous cuspids is a suggested interceptive measure in Class I uncrowded malocclusions.