Maxillary canines impaction: prevalence and radiographic localization for orthodontic patients in a selected Syrian population, Damascus

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Impacted canines is a frequent problem in orthodontic clinics, and their early diagnosis is important to prevent further complications. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and radiographic localization of the impacted maxillary canines in selected Syrian sample in Damascus, Syria.

Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of the Panoramic radiographs of 1692 patients [592 male (35%) and 1100 female (65 %)] attending in an outpatient orthodontic clinic from January 2000 to January 2015 were performed for this study. The ages of patients ranged between 13 to 35 years.

Results: The incidence of maxillary canine impaction was 3.7% out of 80 impacted maxillary canines. 69.84 % were in female patients and 30.16 % were in male patients. Bilateral impaction was seen in 28% of the cases, palatal impaction in 30%, and buccaly impaction in 31 % of the cases.

Conclusions: Impacted maxillary canines were found in the 3.72% of the 1692 patients. Female patients showed more incidence for maxillary canine impaction as compared to male patients, with high percentage for bilateral palatally impacted canines.