Characteristics of impacted maxillary canines insouthern Chinese children and adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Maxillary canines are second only to mandibularthird molars in the frequency of impaction. Studies conducted inCaucasians to determine the prevalence, gender differences, buccalto palatal impaction ratio and radiographic features revealeddifferences in the figures for these variables. However, few studieshave been conducted to determine the status of this condition inChinese subjects. Given the paucity of data and the apparentdiscrepancies in the literature, a retrospective audit was conductedto estimate the prevalence and the status of impacted maxillarycanines.Materials and methods: The study population consisted of217 children and adolescents with impacted maxillary canineswho were being provided with treatment in the Paediatric Dentistryand Orthodontics Clinic at Prince Philip Dental Hospital, TheUniversity of Hong Kong. All available records of the patientswere reviewed and analysed to gather data on the clinical andradiographic characteristics before, during and after treatment.Results: Of the 217 patients, 72.8% had unilateral impactedcanines while 27.2% had bilateral impactions. Furthermore, 60.3% of the impacted canines were located buccally while25.3% were found palatally. Females (58.5%) were more fre-quently affected than males (41.5%). Radiographic assessmentrevealed varied positions of the impacted canines in relation to theadjacent teeth. The nature of the treatment provided and theassociated post-operative complications were recorded.Conclusion: Awareness of the prevalence, presenting characteris-tics, associated anomalies and techniques for early diagnosis allowfor better treatment plans and prediction of the prognosis ofimpacted maxillary canines.