Early detection of potential impaction of permanent maxillary canines caused by resorption disorders of deciduous canines.

Maxillary canine impaction is an often-encountered dental anomaly as after the third molar it is the maxillary canine that is the most frequently impacted tooth. One of many factors causing impaction of maxillary canines is the presence of the persistent primary canine. The aim of the study was early evaluation of resorption of deciduous maxillary canines and an attempt at prediction of impaction or delayed eruption of their permanent counterparts as well as the possibility of their eruption in proper position in the dental arch. There were examined digital intraoral radiograms of 43 patients at the age from 8 to 11 years (44% boys, 56% girls). All the radiograms were taken using the Digora Soredex digital radiography system. There was observed the presence and degree of resorption of deciduous maxillary canines according to age and sex. It was evaluated whether a deciduous canine might be a mechanical obstacle for erupting the permanent tooth. It was concluded that although physiological resorption of deciduous maxillary canine begins at the age of 8, it is radiologically evident on intraoral digital X-rays taken at the age of 9-10 years. So the best time to assess a patient for potential resorption of primary canine and possibilities of eruption of its equivalent in proper position in dental arch is between the 9th and 10th year of age.