Management of palatally ectopic canines part 1: Importance of histological developmental understanding in improving outcomes

Abstract

Successful mobilisation of palatally ectopic canines requires an understanding of the embryological and histological processes involved in tooth eruption, in order to optimise conditions for eruption and achieve a positive outcome. Part one of this two part series presents the reader with the important characteristics of the oral tissues which feature in the eruption process and discusses techniques in tissue handling when performing exposure of impacted teeth. The following paper will provide data on our experience in addition to reviewing the alternative methods available for exposure of teeth.

Keywords

• Palatally ectopic canines
• Impacted
• Open exposure
• Exposure
• Histology
• Embryology