A better diagnose for canine pathology patients by other associated dental anomalies

Abstract

Hariclea Moro

Background: Canine pathology is one of the most difficult anomalies found in orthodontic patients, mostly when we must deal with an impacted canine. This is the reason why we, as general dental practitioners, pedodonts or orthodontists should be able to diagnose any canine pathology as soon as possible, so that the patient could follow interceptive treatment.

Methods: This is an observational study based on two retrospectives studies held in a private practice, Orto Office, in Bucharest, Romania. An amount of 400 complete orthodontic records were searched for impacted canine and ectopic canine.

Results: We found 54 patients responding to our criteria, 14 with impacted canine and 40 with ectopic canine. Most impacted canines in our study group were vertical 78.5%. The most frequent place for canine ectopy was found to be vestibular in 95% of the cases. In 64.3% of the impacted canine cases another dental anomaly was also diagnosed. For the canine ectopy group no dental anomaly was detected in 90% of the patients.

Conclusion: Our present findings are important especially for early diagnosing canine pathologies as the other dental anomalies may be observed earlier: the nanic lateral incisor or its anodontia. Moreover, we can prevent the canine impaction or ectopy by treating patients in their early ages around 8-10 years of age. These dental anomalies should be seen not only as risk indicators for early diagnosis but also as possible means of diagnose.

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