[Radiographic and CT scan evaluation of root resorption of permanent incisors maxillary impacted carises]

ABSTRACT

Resorptions of permanent incisors are a rare complication of ectopically erupting maxillary canines but when they occur they may lead to extraction, orthodontic treatment or both. The purpose of this study was to assess the incisor root resorption adjacent to impacted maxillary canines using conventional radiographs and CT scan. Fourteen patients [13-20 years] with 18 impacted canines were studied. Upper alveolar bone CT scans of the patients and their periapical and panoramic images were analyzed for detecting incisor root resorption caused by impacted canines. Degree of root resorption was assessed on CT scans on the basis of the self-designed classification. Buccolingual, mesiodistal and superioinferior location of resorption of incisors' roots and their longitudinal extension were assessed using CT scans in regard to the number of CT cuts showing the resorption. All of the teeth adjacent to impacted maxillary canines showed resorption. The most prevalent resorption site [84.6%] was detected in lateral incisors. 61.5% of involved teeth in CT scan did not show any resorption in the conventional radiographs and the others [38.5%] were questionable. In 77% of cases, resorption of palatal and distopalatal surfaces of involved roots were not detectable in conventional radiographs. Assessment of canine eruption angle in panoramic radiography revealed that this angle did not have any significant role in developing root resorption of adjacent teeth. Conventional radiographs are not able to detect root resorption of the incisors adjacent to impacted canines. Therefore, in cases which intensity and extension of root resorption has an effect on treatment plan and prognosis, CT scan is strongly recommended