Managing the maxillary canine: 2. treatment options for impacted permanent maxillary canines

From Volume 1, Issue 2, May 2008 | Pages 38-43

Authors

Grant T McIntyre

BDS, FDSRCPSGlasg, MOrthRCSEd, PhD, FDSRCPSGlasg(Orth), FHEA, FDSRCSEd, FDTFed, BDS, MOrth, PhD, FDS(Orth), FDT, FHEA, Consultant/Honorary Professor in Orthodontics

Consultant Orthodontist and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Dundee Dental Hospital and School, 2 Park Place, Dundee, DD1 4HR, UK

Articles by Grant T McIntyre

Abstract

Unerupted permanent maxillary canines include normally erupting canines, those that are ectopic and canines that are impacted. When adolescent and adult patients present with impacted canines, they should be referred to a specialist orthodontist to determine the most suitable treatment option. Part 1 considered the diagnosis and localization of ectopic and impacted canines and detailed the intervention strategies for developmentally normal and ectopic permanent maxillary canine teeth. Part 2 details the contemporary treatment options for impacted maxillary canines. These include surgical exposure and orthodontic traction, long-term monitoring, surgical removal and autotransplantation. The benefits and drawbacks of each is considered in detail.

Article