A review of impacted permanent maxillary cuspids--diagnosis and prevention.

As impacted permanent maxillary cuspids occur in 1-2% of the population, the general dentist should know the signs and symptoms of this condition and the interceptive treatment. Features of buccal or palatal cuspid impaction include lack of canine bulges in the buccal sulcus indicating a lingual eruption path and possible impaction; lack of symmetry between the exfoliation and eruption of cuspids that may indicate palatal or lingual impaction; and abnormal mesiodistal location and angulation of the developing maxillary permanent cuspids on radiographs. Diagnosis of impacted cuspid teeth at age 8-10 years can significantly reduce serious ramifications, including surgical exposure and orthodontic alignment as well as root resorption of the lateral incisors. In specific cases, extraction of the primary maxillary cuspids can prevent impaction of the permanent maxillary cuspids and additional sequelae.