Localising maxillary canines using dental panoramic tomography

Abstract

Impacted maxillary canine teeth occur in about 2% of the population. Late detection of palatal canines may have treatment implications for the patient and medicolegal implications for the dental practitioner. Dental panoramic tomograms (DPT) are widely taken in practice. Image formation in dental panoramic tomography results in relative magnification of objects placed palatal to the image layer and relative diminution of objects buccal to it. This provides a possible means of bucco-palatal localisation of teeth. The aim of this study was assess the validity of DPTs in locating ectopic canines using the vertex occlusal view (VO) as the gold standard. One hundred pairs of radiographs showing 139 ectopic canines were examined. Using the DPT, it was possible to accurately predict the position of a palatally displaced crown in about 80% of cases. The DPT alone is not sufficient for canine localisation, but clinical evidence and suggestion of ectopic positioning on a DPT should warrant further radiographic investigation. Careful interpretation of a radiograph widely used in practice may lead to earlier detection of palatal canines.

The Displaced Maxillary Canine—a Retrospective Study

“…The determination of the position of displaced and retained canines based on panoramic radiographs alone is thus rather inaccurate [4,17]. This finding is reinforced by studies by Krennmair et al [19] and Ericson & Kurol [9], as well as Fox et al [11]. Similarly, Berten et al [3] state that the extent of displacement in the vertical plane is of rather secondary significance for the indication and prognosis for displaced canines.…”

Bilateral congenitally missing cannines. A case Report

“…The authors support the recommendations made by Fox et al 5 and Ferguson, 7 that early radiographic investigation (by the age of 10-11 years) must be undertaken where there is any doubt regarding the eruption pattern of permanent canines.…”

“…4 The primary canine is the most commonly found retained deciduous tooth because it is more likely that a permanent canine will deviate from its normal course of eruption and become impacted. 4 Fox et al 5 place the incidence of ectopic eruption of permanent canines at 1.5-2 per cent of the population. The maxillary permanent canine develops beneath the orbit, superior and palatal to the lateral incisor and the first premolar.…”

Diagnostic Value of Panoramic Radiography in Determining the Position of Impacted Permanent Maxillary Canines

“…Panoramic radiography is inexpensive, easily available and imposes a smaller dose of radiation to the patient (18)(19)(20).…”