Multi-detector dental CT in evaluation of impacted maxillary canine

PurposeTo evaluate the role of multi-detector dental CT in the evaluation of the impacted maxillary canine.Methods and patientsThis prospective study included 20 patients who were clinically suspected of having impacted permanent maxillary canines. They were 10 males and 10 females with mean age of 23.3 years. They were exposed to plain radiographs and referred for further evaluation using multi-detector dental CT scanner. The panoramic and paraxial images were obtained. Then reformatted images were done in different planes. Imaging data were analyzed for localization and complication of impacted maxillary canine. Distances and angles measurements were made. MDCT findings were compared with intra-operative data of 24 impacted canines.ResultsA total of 28 impacted maxillary canines were studied in 20 patients. Twelve patients presented with a unilateral impacted canines and 8 with bilateral impactions. The localization of the root apex was 3 (10.7%) labial, 6 (21.4%) palatal, and 19 (67.9%) mid alveolus. The average of the angulations of the impacted maxillary canines to the mid sagittal plane was 39.64. Root resorption was detected in 16 cases.ConclusionMD dental CT provides more reliable and accurate information for the intraosseous location, inclination, and morphology of impacted maxillary canine.