Permanent maxillary canines are the second most frequent impacted teeth after third molars. Therefore precise detection of an impacted maxillary canine is the first step of management. The aim of this study was to quantify the spatial relationship of impacted maxillary canines located on either both sides or on one side by using 3-dimensional (3D) volumetric imaging. A total of 53 impacted canines from 42 patients were studied, including 11 bilateral impactions. The images were taken using NewTom GiANO cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) machine. Locations of impacted canines were assessed in relation to neighbouring structures. Linear and angular measurements were taken with the 3D software. Root resorption of adjacent incisors was also investigated. Among the studied impactions, 79.2% were impacted palatally and 11.3% buccally. Lateral incisors (30.2%) were the teeth most affected by resorption than central incisors (3.8%). The correlation between contact/proximity and resorption of incisors was highly significant. No significant relationship was observed between the occurrence of root resorption and a widened dental follicle. On the affected side, there was clinical decrease in width of the alveolus than normal side. The location of impacted maxillary canines varies greatly in 3 planes. Thus CBCT provides accurate information about location of the impacted canine and prevalence, degree and their association with root resorption of neighbouring teeth. This information is of great importance for orthodontists and surgeons for accurate diagnosis and interdisciplinary treatment planning.
