Localization of impacted maxillary canines using panoramic radiography

Abstract

We aimed to establish a reliable method of localizing an impacted maxillary canine on the sole basis of assessment of a single panoramic radiograph, and to determine the validity and reproducibility of the method. Panoramic radiographs of 50 subjects with a total of 68 impacted canines were analysed. The Canine Incisor Index (CII), Canine Canine Index (CCI), control Canine Incisor Index (c-CII), Zone (apical, middle, coronal) and Sector (I, II, III, IV) were determined on digitized panoramic radiographs. Comparison of the CII and CCI values of labially or palatally impacted canines revealed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Comparison of labial and central canine impactions revealed no relation to CII or CCI (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference between palatal and central canine impactions in relation to CII (P < 0.05), but no significant difference between the two with respect to CCI (P > 0.05). Correct prediction of palatal canine impactions by differential magnification on a panoramic radiograph is possible in 77% of cases. Vertical and horizontal restrictions have no value in recognition of labiolingual position of impacted maxillary canines. The panoramic radiograph cannot be used as a sole radiograph for reliable localization of impacted maxillary canines.

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

“…In this study, the root of the ipsilateral incisor was divided into three horizontal zones, and CII of each zone was calculated. The study showed that calculated CII does not vary regarding the zones (21). The results of the Nagpal et al (21) study about magnification were consistent with the results of the current study.…”

“…The study showed that calculated CII does not vary regarding the zones (21). The results of the Nagpal et al (21) study about magnification were consistent with the results of the current study. In this study, digital panoramic radiography was used as well.…”

“…Several studies have used magnification to localize the position of impacted maxillary canines with panoramic radiography (11,12,20,21). Chaushu et al (12) and Sudhakar et al (20) showed that using CII for calculation of magnifica- tion provides beneficial information about the position of the canines, which was not in agreement with the results of the current study.…”

“…In digital radiography, measurements are more precise with lesser errors. Nagpal et al (21) found that magnification in panoramic radiography cannot be used as a reliable method for the localization of impacted maxillary canines. In this study, the root of the ipsilateral incisor was divided into three horizontal zones, and CII of each zone was calculated.…”

“…The cut-off point value of 1.15 for CII has been obtained in some studies (11,12,20,21). In the current study, this value was 1.11, and its sensitivity (62%) and specificity (50%) were not acceptable.…”