Impacted Canines

Abstract

Objectives: Maxillary canine is the second most commonly impacted tooth after the third molar with prevalence of 1-3% depending on the population studies. Canine impaction occurs more than twice as often in the maxilla than in the mandible and in approximately one quarter of all cases simultaneously affects both sides of the dental arch. According to the position of the impacted tooth we distinguish complete impaction when the affected tooth is covered both hard and soft tissues and partial impaction, when the impacted tooth is covered only by soft tissue. Exact etiological factor is not specified. The cause is probably multifactorial with the biggest role of genetics. Despite a relatively simple diagnosis supported by clinical and radiological examination is not a rarity to found impacted canine in an adult patient. Treatment of this anomaly in later life involve some risks of complications and failure. Aim of review: Our review article aims to summarize the basic knowledge about etiology of impacted canines, diagnosis and outline the various treatment options.

Keywords

• impaction
• canines
• resorption
• ankylosis