Detection and imaging characteristics of the gubernacular tract in children on cone beam and multidetector computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the appearance and imaging characteristics of the gubernacular tract (GT) during the growth stage of children. Furthermore, this study evaluated the significance of the appearance of the GT.

STUDY

DESIGN

The visualizations of the GT were retrospectively analyzed by using panoramic radiographs and computed tomography (CT) in children.

RESULTS

In patients with normal eruption who had unerupted permanent teeth, except maxillary central supernumerary teeth, the GT was clearly visualized as a well-defined low-density tract on CT but not on panoramic radiographs. In patients with obstructive eruption, including impaction, the GT was deformed and not visible on CT.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper describes the frequency of detection and appearance of the GT in unerupted teeth. Preliminary data suggest that any alteration to the GT may be used to predict abnormal eruption of permanent teeth.