Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: Root resorption of teeth adjacent to impacted canines, although relatively uncommon, is a potentially harmful condition that may lead to tooth loss. Early diagnosis and the use of accurate imaging techniques play a crucial role in preventing from root resorption complications. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of root resorption in teeth adjacent to impacted maxillary canines using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective observational-analytical study, 60 CBCT images of patients with impacted maxillary canines (15 bilateral case and 45 unilateral cases) were examined using a convenience sampling method among those referred to oral and maxillofacial radiology clinics in northern Iran, Babol, in 2023. Variables such as age, gender, position and direction of canine eruption, presence of root resorption in adjacent teeth, type of affected tooth, severity, and location of resorption were evaluated. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test in SPSS software at a significance level of 0.05.

Results: Among the studied CBCT (66.7% female; 70% over 18 years of age), 75 cases of impaction (41 cases on the right and 34 cases on the left) were observed. Root resorption in the teeth adjacent to the impacted maxillary canines was observed in only 7 patients (11.7%). All resorptions were mild and observed in the lateral incisors. In terms of vertical position, 85.7% of the cases occurred in the middle third of the root. There was no statistically significant association between root resorption and gender, age, or the position or direction of canine eruption (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Given the potential for root resorption in lateral incisors and in the middle third of the root, it is recommended that oral and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists perform a thorough initial evaluation of the canine’s position and adjacent teeth using CBCT imaging prior to treatment to prevent possible complications.