Permanent maxillary canines are the second teeth that most commonly assume ectopic positions after the third molars. They are diagnosed as impacted and have an incidence of 1 % to 3% In their ectopic path of eruption, they can cause damage (resorption) of the adjacent roots, a severe complication that may lead to the loss of anterior teeth. When cone-beam computed tomography (CT) scanning is used for diagnose, root resorption is detected in two-thirds of the lateral incisors adjacent to impacted maxillary canines before treatment. The treatment of this condition comprises two stages: a surgical intervention to uncover the canine crown followed by orthodontic treatment to move the canine into correct position. The surgical intervention commonly involves two different techniques: the open and the closed technique. The open technique procedure involves removing the bone and mucosa covering the crown of the canine. The exposed crown is left uncovered and a pack is placed over the area to avoid overgrowth of tissue. When enough spontaneous eruption of the canine has occurred, an orthodontic attachment is bonded to the crown and the tooth is moved above the mucosa with orthodontic appliances into the correct position. The closed technique procedure involves bonding an orthodontic attachment to the crown with a chain after exposing the canine during the surgery. The palatal flap is sutured back covering the exposed crown and the chain is left through the palatal mucosa free in the oral cavity. Shortly after, the canine is forced to erupt through the palatal mucosa and moved into the correct position with orthodontic appliances. The purpose of this prospective randomized clinical trial is to compare outcome variables between the Open and Closed surgical exposure techniques regarding the success of treatment, patient's perceptions of pain and discomfort experienced and analgesic consumption, treatment time, and complications. The null hypothesis is that similar outcomes occur when the surgical exposure of palatally impacted canines is performed by using the open or the closed surgical technique.
Age range
9 Years – 19 Years
Sex
ALL
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Success of treatment
Timeframe: Within 3 years from surgery
Patient's perceptions of pain-discomfort experience and analgesic consumption
Timeframe: Within 3 years from surgery