Evaluation of Impacted Maxillary Canine Position Using Panoramic Radiographs and Cone-beam Computed Tomography

The purpose of this study was to compare the mesio-distal and vertical position of impacted maxillary canines on panoramic radiographs with the labio-palatal position of impacted canines and root resorption of adjacent teeth on CBCT (ConeBeam Computed Tomography). A total of 54 patients with 69 impacted maxillary canines were included in this study. On panoramic radiographs, the mesio-distal (Sector I - V), and vertical position, and angulation of impacted maxillary canines were evaluated. Labio-palatal position and root resorption of adjacent teeth were evaluated on CBCT. Labial impaction of canines was most frequent in panoramic sector I. Impaction within the arch was most frequent in sector I and II. Palatal impaction was most frequent in sector III, IV, and V. Mesially positioned canines on panoramic radiographs tended to be palatally impacted. Most of the root resorption of adjacent teeth occurred in sector III, IV, and V (p < 0.05). Canines with low angulation on panoramic radiographs tended to be palatally impacted and resorb the roots of adjacent teeth. The vertical position of impacted canines on panoramic radiographs was not statistically significant with respect to labio-palatal position and root resorption of adjacent teeth on CBCT. Analysis of the mesio-distal position and angulation of impacted maxillary canines on panoramic radiographs can be used to predict the labio-palatal position of impacted canines and root resorption of adjacent teeth.