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 Table of Contents  
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year : 2020  |  Volume : 11  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 47-53

Bilateral maxillary canine impaction with comparable migration track: Prevalence, sociodemographics and radiographic observations


1 Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
2 Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Specialty Regional Dental Center, Najran, Saudi Arabia

Date of Submission30-May-2020
Date of Decision31-May-2020
Date of Acceptance05-Jun-2020
Date of Web Publication09-Jul-2020

Correspondence Address:
Dr. Bandar Alyami
Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Najran University, P. O. Box: 1988, Najran
Saudi Arabia
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/ijor.ijor_24_20

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  Abstract 

Introduction: Canines are perceived as cornerstones of the dental arch and plays an essential role in maintaining the facial coordination. When impacted, these functions are lost. We present the prevalence and radiographic presentation of distinctive bilateral maxillary canine.
Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients presenting for routine dental treatment between 2018 and 2020 at a dental center, Najran. A total of 2016 panoramic radiographs were screened and all patients with bilateral impacted canines were further screened radiologically using cone beam computed tomography. Data such demographics and presence of bilateral maxillary impacted canines were identified. Data analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for IOS Version 25 (Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp).
Results: A total of 2016 panoramic radiographs were examined out of which 149 cases were the total impacted canines. Of these, 42 cases were bilateral impacted maxillary canines in comparable migration tract with a prevalence rate of 28.2%. There were 18 males and 24 females with an M: F of 1:1.3. Age ranged from 15 to 75 years with mean age ± standard deviation (27.9 ± 10.6) years. We observed the bilateral impacted canine positions were in relation to the central and lateral incisors in the anterio-posterior plane and the cervical and root portions of the roots of the central and lateral incisors in the inferior-superior plane. We attempted to group them into 3 main types (Types 1-3) with 3 subtypes (Subtypes a-c) each.
Limitations: This a hospital based study and findings may not be generalized. Population based study is which is required to find out the prevalent rate in the community.
Conclusion: These observed positions can be used to predict the favorability or otherwise of orthodontic traction of the impacted bilateral canines.

Keywords: Canine, impaction, migration, transmigration


How to cite this article:
Alyami B, Braimah RO. Bilateral maxillary canine impaction with comparable migration track: Prevalence, sociodemographics and radiographic observations. Int J Orthod Rehabil 2020;11:47-53

How to cite this URL:
Alyami B, Braimah RO. Bilateral maxillary canine impaction with comparable migration track: Prevalence, sociodemographics and radiographic observations. Int J Orthod Rehabil [serial online] 2020 [cited 2024 Mar 28];11:47-53. Available from: https://www.orthodrehab.org/text.asp?2020/11/2/47/289245


  Introduction Top


Maxillary canine is the second most commonly impacted tooth after third molars.[1] The incidence of impacted maxillary canine ranges from 0.92% to 4.3%.[1],[2] In the mandible, prevalence of migrated canine was reported to be between 0.35% and 0.44%.[3] Migration is a rare occurrence in the maxilla.[4],[5] Tooth migration and impaction in the mandibular and maxillary bone resulting in impaction is a well-documented phenomenon.[5] However, when such migrated tooth crosses the midline then it is termed transmigration.[5] Transmigration is a rare occurrence with prevalence rate of only about 0.31%.[6] There are several factors that could lead to migrated/impacted canine. Two current and most popular (guidance and genetic theories) have been accepted worldwide amongst researchers.[7]

Different terminologies have been used to describe different impaction positions of the canine. Qaradaghi, was the first to use the terms of “kissing Canines” or “Mirror Image” to describe bilateral migrated canines in the mandible.[5] Other authors have reported similar cases in the literature.[8],[9] Researchers have used the term “bilateral impacted maxillary canine” to describe cases of canine migration in the maxillary arch.[10],[11] Different authors have presented management of bilateral impacted maxillary canines in awkward positions. Previous existing classifications have classified impacted canines based on orthodontics or surgical difficulties.[11],[12],[13] This identified clinical entity needs to have a detailed and less cumbersome classification for management, research and to standardize intra and inter examiners variability.

We report the evaluation of panoramic and cone-bean computed tomography (CBCT) radiographs of bilateral impacted maxillary canines with comparable migration tract in a population with strong cultural background and consanguineous marriage that has been linked with many genetic diseases.[14] Additionally, we presented the radiographic observations of this unique clinical entity.


  Materials and Methods Top


This was a retrospective study of patients presenting for routine dental treatment between 2016 and 2018 at a Dental Center, Najran kingdom of Saudi Arabia after clearance from the ethical committee review board of the center. Najran is the 10th largest region in the country with majority of the people from a single major family. In addition, the people of Najran have strong cultural background which include consanguineous marriages among this single major family.

All panoramic radiographs with impacted canine were collected and reviewed. Data such as age, gender, types of impacted canine and presence of bilateral impacted maxillary canines were identified and recorded by Consultant orthodontist and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Those with bilateral impacted maxillary canines where further evaluated by CBCT (Carestream Dosimetry of the 9500 three-dimensional (3D) Cone Beam System, Carestream Dental LLC, 3625, Cumberland Blvd. Ste. 700, Atlanta, GA 30339) which is low dose CBCT combining panorama, cephalometric and 3D. The CBCT was used to identify the exact location of the bilateral canine impactions in relation to the reference points. The observation of the “bilateral impacted maxillary canines” took into consideration not only the positions of the impacted canines but also the reference points which were the maxillary laterals and centrals incisors [Figure 1].
Figure 1: Schematic diagram showing the impacted canines and the lateral and central incisors as reference points for the new grouping

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Data was stored and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for IOS Version 25 (Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp) and results presented as simple frequencies and descriptive statistics. Pearson Chi-square was used to compare categorical variables. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.


  Results Top


A total of 2016 panoramic radiographs were examined out of which 149 cases were the total impacted canines. Of these, 42 cases were bilateral impacted maxillary canines with a prevalence rate of 28.2%. Only the 42 cases were analyzed. There were 18 males and 24 females with an M: F of 1:1.3. Age ranged from 15 to 75 years with mean age ± standard deviation (27.9 ± 10.6) years.

This panoramic observation of “bilateral impacted maxillary canines” was centered on the horizontal plane (proximity to the midline) with reference to central and lateral incisors and vertical plane (degree of eruption) with reference to cervical, middle third and apical third of the centrals and lateral incisors. The summary of this panoramic observation is as shown in [Figure 2] and grouped as follows;
Figure 2: Schematic diagram showing the grouping into 9 types

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  • Type 1a: Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the mesial side of the apical third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position [Figure 3]a
  • Type 1b: Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the mesial side of the middle third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position [Figure 3]b
  • Type 1c: Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the mesial side of the cervical third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position [Figure 3]c
  • Type 2a: Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the apical third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position [Figure 4]a
  • Type 2b: Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the middle third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position [Figure 4]b
  • Type 2c: Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the cervical third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position [Figure 4]c
  • Type 3a: Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the apical third root portion of lateral incisor either in palatal or labial position [Figure 5]a
  • Type 3b: Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the middle third root portion of lateral incisor either in palatal or labial position [Figure 5]b
  • Type 3c: Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the cervical third root portion of lateral incisor either in palatal or labial position [Figure 5]c.
Figure 3: (a) Type 1 (Subtype a): Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the mesial side of the apical third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position. (b) Type 1 (Subtype b): Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the mesial side of the middle third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position. (c) Type 1 (Subtype c): Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the mesial side of the cervical third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position

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Figure 4: (a) Type 2 (Subtype a): Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the apical third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position. (b) Type 2 (Subtype b): Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the middle third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position. (c) Type 2 (Subtype c): Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the cervical third root portion of central incisor either in palatal or labial position

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Figure 5: (a) Type 3 (Subtype a): Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the apical third root portion of lateral incisor either in palatal or labial position. (b) Type 3 (Subtype b): Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the middle third root portion of lateral incisor either in palatal or labial position. (c) Type 3 (Subtype c): Bilateral mesio-angular positioned maxillary canine in relation to the distal side of the cervical third root portion of lateral incisor either in palatal or labial position

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[Figure 6]a and [Figure 6]b displays CBCT of a 22 years old female and 24 year old male showing the axial, occlusal view, coronal and sagittal cuts of bilateral canine impaction in palatal and buccal positions respectively.
Figure 6: (a) Cone-beam computed tomography of a 22-year-old female showing the axial cut, occlusal view, coronal and sagittal cuts of bilateral canine impaction in the palatal position. (b) Cone-beam computed tomography of a 24-year-old male showing the axial cut, occlusal view, coronal and sagittal cuts of bilateral canine impaction in the buccal position

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There were more Type 2 (subtypes b and c) cases (10 (23.8%) and 11 (26.2%) respectively) and followed by Type 3 (subtype c) and Type 1 (subtype a) with (5 (11.9%)) cases each. Only 1 case (2.4%) were classified as Type I (subtype c). Other distributions were as shown in [Table 1]. There was no statistically significant difference when gender was compared with the radiographic observations (χ2= 8.081, df = 8, P = 0.426). Age group (15–30) years presented with the highest frequency of bilateral impacted maxillary canines 29 (69.0%), while age group 41–60 years presented with the least frequency of 2 (4.8%) cases [Table 2]. This however, did not attain any statistical significance when age group was compared with types of bilateral impacted maxillary canines (χ2= 44.233, df = 32, P = 0.74). [Table 3] showed the distribution of the bilateral impacted maxillary canines according to their positions (labial/palatal). Out of the 42 cases, 33 (78.6%) were in palatal position, while only 9 (21.4%) were in labial position with a significant difference of P = 0.021 [Table 3].
Table 1: Distribution of types of bilateral impacted maxillary canines according to patients' gender

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Table 2: Distribution of types of bilateral impacted maxillary canines with age group of patients

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Table 3: Distribution of types of bilateral impacted maxillary canines according to position

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  Discussion Top


Canines are considered to be the cornerstones of the dental arch. They play an essential role in maintaining the facial coordination and functional competence.[15] Due to the lack of space, maxillary canines are frequently impacted and this has been reported to be second to maxillary and mandibular third molars impaction.[16],[17] Because of prolonged intra-bony embedment usually 12 years after the tooth germ formation at 24 weeks intra uterine life, the tooth germ of maxillary canines is subjected to adverse forces from developing adjacent anatomical structures such as orbital cavity, nasal cavity and maxillary sinus.[18]

Maxillary canine impaction is more commonly seen than mandibular canine impaction. However, transmigration is more commonly reported in the mandibular arch as it rarely occurs in the maxilla.[5],[19] This is because the mandibular canine has long root and greater cross-sectional area of the mandibular symphysis and conical crown.[20] Etiology of this rare clinical entity is still elusive. Researchers have proposed circumstances such as ectopic growth of the tooth bud, premature loss/retention of a primary tooth, lack of eruption space and disproportionate crown length. Other factors such as genetic, endocrine disorders and trauma have also been suggested as etiological factors.[21] All these etiological factors result in loss of guidance for the erupting canine, thereby causing them to migrate within the bones.[22] Najran, a city in the southern region of Saudi Arabia have strong cultural background which include consanguineous marriages among a single major family. This consanguinity has been implicated as a major risk factor in etiologies of many genetic conditions including tooth impaction.[14],[21]

In the mandible, bilateral transmigration is very atypical with an occurrence of only 9%.[23] None has been reported in the maxilla. Current study has reported 42 cases of impacted canine in the maxilla assuming the “bilateral impacted maxillary canines position” with a prevalence rate of 28.2%. Although, a prevalence rate of 8% has been reported in the literature,[24] literature search yielded one study in the kingdom that reported a prevalence of bilateral maxillary canine impaction to be 22.3% in Jazan, a southern city.[25] Jazan and Najran cities are both located in the southern region of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia with similar prevalence rates compared to the present study (22.3% [Jazan] and 28.2% [Najran] respectively). More studies identifying these unique clinical situations are necessary from other regions in the kingdom.

Although, Yamamoto et al.[18] have classified impacted maxillary canines and first premolars into 9 types, his classification was based on unilateral impacted canines. The radiographic observation is unique in the fact that it was based on bilateral impacted canines assuming an exceptional position in relation to the centrals and laterals in the maxilla.

In addition to panoramic views, the identified cases were further evaluated for the positions of the impacted canine using CBCT (Carestream Dosimetry of the 9500 3D Cone Beam System, Carestream Dental LLC, 3625, Cumberland Blvd. Ste. 700, Atlanta, GA 30339) which is low dose CBCT combining panorama, cephalometric and 3D imaging. This modality has been used by clinicians to localize impacted canines precisely. However, high cost and radiation exposure have restricted its routine use, although the model used in this current study uses low dose radiation with concentration in dental arches only.[26],[27] The accurate localization of the impacted canine tooth plays a key role in determining the appropriate surgical access and the accurate direction of orthodontic forces application.[28]

The “kissing” or “mirror image” canines reported in the mandible has a female predilection.[19] Similarly, female predilection was reported in the present study. Canine impaction generally has been reported to be more common in the females because the skull, maxilla, and mandible are smaller in women than in men. Although, no studies supporting this position, anecdotal findings believe there are jaw discrepancies between individuals with/without impaction.[18] No specific age group has been reported in the literature, however, we found more cases of bilateral impacted maxillary canines in the 21–30 and 31–40 years of age. It can be reasoned that these age brackets are usually periods of self-identification with young adults seeking dental treatments especially malocclusion.

It has been reported that most of these conditions are accidental findings on routine panoramic radiographs for endodontics and/or orthodontic purposes.[15] In the current study, most patients presented for endodontic and restorative purposes wherein during routine panoramic radiographs these impacted canines were discovered.

Researchers have reported that management of transmigration/migration of canines should be based on the stage of development of the tooth, the position of the tooth and whether there are symptoms associated with the tooth.[15],[29] Since they are usually asymptomatic, it has been suggested that mandibular bilateral impacted canines can be observed for any changes but surgical extraction is highly recommended when associated with symptoms or any form of pathology.[15] Several management options have been reported in the literature which include: surgical exposure with orthodontic realignment in labially placed canine, surgical repositioning and transplantation when enough space is available and orthodontic realignment and re-contouring of the crown.[22],[29]

Pitt et al.[30] have concluded from their study based on regression analysis that horizontal position (degree of overlap of lateral and central incisors), age of patient, vertical height and bucco-palatal position, in downward order of rank, are the factors which determine the difficulty of canine alignment. Based on the present observations, as horizontal angulations of impacted canines towards the midline increases (i.e., from Types 3-1 respectively), the poorer the prognosis of orthodontic traction/alignment and the higher the tendency for surgical extraction.[31] Furthermore, studies have shown that, the higher the impacted canine cusp tip is to the occlusal plane, the poorer the prognosis for orthodontic traction.[32] When the cusp tip rest against the apical third of the adjacent incisor root (Subtype a), the poorer the prognosis. A fair prognosis is anticipated when the cusp tip rest at the level of half root length (Subtype b), while a good prognosis is anticipated when the cusp tip is at the cemento-enamel junction (Subtype c) of the adjacent incisor tooth. Based on these two scenarios, Type 1 (Subtype a) has the poorest prognosis in terms of treatment difficulty while Type 3 (Subtype c) has the best treatment prognosis with orthodontic traction.


  Conclusion Top


We report 42 cases of bilateral impacted maxillary canines with a prevalence rate of 28.2%. The observed radiographic positions were grouped into 9 types. This observation was based on the cusp tip of the crown of the impacted canine, their proximity to lateral and central incisors and relationship to their roots (apical, middle or cervical thirds). The treatment difficulty index was anticipated poor for Type 1 (Subtype a) and best for Type 3 (Subtype c). Furthermore, this observation was based on both panoramic radiographs which is readily available and CBCT. Other factors such as age of patient, degree of rotation and surgical exposure difficulty should be employed in the final comprehensive evaluation prior to categorizing the treatment difficulties of this radiographic observations.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest



 
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    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4], [Figure 5], [Figure 6]
 
 
    Tables

  [Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3]



 

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