The CBCT evaluation of the resorption caused by impacted canines

Abstract

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides precise information regarding the position of the impacted canines, the presence and the degree of root resorption in adjacent teeth. This information is extremely important for surgeons and orthodontists in order to determine the correct diagnosis and the optimal interdisciplinary treatment plan. The main goal of this study was the tridimensional evaluation of the position of impacted canines, as well as the frequency of the implicated factors in the root resorption of adjacent teeth. Using CBCTs, 20 impacted canines were diagnosed in 16 subjects. For the statistical analysis we used the Spearman rank correlation. In these patients, 10 canines had a palatal position (50%), 2 had a labial position (10%) and 8 had a medial position (40%). Root resorption was found in 11 lateral incisors (55%), 5 central incisors (25%), 1 first premolar (5%). Most statistically significant correlations were found in the central incisor resorption, dependent on the transversal position (-0.651 negative correlation, p=0.002). The second statistically significant correlation was found between the status of the deciduous canine and the central incisor resorption (0.457 positive correlation, p=0.043); the greater the lack of resorption of the deciduous canine, the higher the risk of resorption in the central incisor.