Diagnostic methods and treatment strategies of impacted maxillary canines: A literature review.
This study aims to review main diagnostic methods and different treatment strategies of impacted maxillary canines. A computerised systematic search of studies was conducted on PubMed and Cochrane databases. The systematic search was performed using inclusion and exclusion criteria. 23 publications were identified as relevant to the theme. Nine studies were about the treatment of impacted maxillary canines, and fourteen reviews were about the diagnostic methods of impacted maxillary canines. Seven of these studies analysed samples comprising combined surgical and orthodontic treatment. Two studies were based on a treatment method whereby deciduous maxillary canine was extracted, and maxilla was expanded to avoid the impaction of permanent maxillary canine. Seven studies compared which diagnostic way - a cone-beam computed tomography or conventional radiography - is more accurate. Four studies evaluated only the accuracy of dental panoramic radiograms. Two studies evaluated how accurate the cone-beam computed tomography method is in diagnosing impacted maxillary canines. One study analysed if cephalogram could be useful in early diagnosis of impacted maxillary canines. Impacted maxillary canines are usually diagnosed by using panoramic imaging or cone-beam computed tomography. Cone-beam computed tomography is the most accurate diagnostic method to identify the localisation of impacted maxillary canines. Palatal expansion can help to avoid the impaction of maxillary canines. Combined surgical and orthodontic treatment is used to treat impacted maxillary canines in permanent dentition.