Searching for buried treasure: a review of palatally ectopic canines

Abstract

Ectopic canines are regularly encountered in general dental practice and often fail to be treated by interceptive measures. Ectopic development can easily be monitored during regular dental examinations and early detection can reduce the patient's need for complex and extensive treatment later. Failure to diagnose ectopic canine development appropriately has been the reason for litigation in the past and may increasingly be a risk if practitioners are unable to identify them. A good understanding of canine development, assessment and management is necessary to be able to recognize ectopic development and avoid untoward sequelae.