Maxillary incisor root resorption in relation to the ectopic canine: a review of 26 patients

A retrospective study of 26 patients with maxillary incisor root resorption relating to the presence of an ectopic canine was undertaken from case records. The group consisted of nine male and 17 female patients with a mean age of 12.5 years. There was a total of 35 resorbed teeth, 26 lateral and nine central incisors, and these were related to 32 ectopic canines. The resorption tended to be extensive, 30 teeth had pulpal involvement. In two-thirds of cases the pattern of resorption involved both apical and middle thirds of the root. Despite the extensive nature of the involvement there were few clinical signs and symptoms reported by patients. 43.8 per cent of canines were lying palatal to the arch, 18.7 per cent were in the line of the arch and 37.5 per cent were buccal. Significantly 15.6 per cent were buccal and erupted. The path of canine eruption was mesio-horizontal in 21 cases. No relationship could be found between resorption and the retention or loss of the deciduous canine. The canine root formation was virtually complete in 31 of the involved canines. The study indicated that the problem is often diagnosed late both in relation to the patient's age and the extent of resorption present. It is suggested that the problem may be underestimated by dental practitioners.