Localization of the Maxillary U nerupted Canine with a Single Panoramic Radiograph

Abstract

Introduction
This study aims at developing a reliable method for the localization of the maxillary unerupted canine with a single panoramic radiograph.

Materials and Methods
A total of 45 panoramic radiographs including 56 maxillary unerupted canines were evaluated. The ratio o the mesiodistal width of the unerupted canine to that of the homo-lateral incisor canine (canine-incisor index = CII) and the ratio o the width of the unerupted canine to that of the contra-lateral canine (canine- canine index = CCI). Unerupted canine were calculated in patients with unilateral unerupted canine. The crown height of each unerupted canine was classified into 3, apical, middle and coronal positions in the vertical plane relative to the adjacent incisor. All of the unerpted 56 teeth were then operated and precisely localized.

Results
The results from the analysis of the ratios obtained showed an overlap in the range of CII buccally ( 1.06-1.46) and palatally (1.12-1.53) teeth, the crown ofwhich were apical to the adjacent tooth root, whereas the unerupted teeth with coronal and middle crowns showed a significant difference in the labial (0.94-1.12) and palatal CII (1.16-1.33) & labial (0.81-1.15) and palatal (1.16-1.33) CCI.

Discussion and Conclusion
It can be concluded from the above mentioned findings that, if the vertical factor and CII are applied simultaneously, panoramic radiography can be a useful indicator for the localization of the maxillary unerupted canine.

Key words
Localization, Panoramic radiography, Unerupted canine.