Location and severity of root resorption related to impacted maxillary canines: a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation

Background: The present investigation was designed to determine the location and severity of root resorption associated with impacted maxillary canine teeth using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A secondary aim was to identify possible influencing factors. Methods: The radiological reports of 183 patients, radiographed with a small-volume CBCT focussed on the impacted maxillary canine teeth, were assessed. Eighty-five patients had resorption associated with the impaction. The CBCT image datasets were viewed to determine the location and severity of the lesions. Results: A total of 110 impacted maxillary canine teeth resorbed 120 adjacent teeth, including 14 premolars and one permanent molar. The apical third and palatal surface were commonly involved. Fifty per cent of the resorptive lesions were mild, 20% moderate and 30% severe. There was no significant relation between age or gender on the number, location or severity of resorption. There was a statistically significant correlation between the number of impacted canine teeth and the number of teeth resorbed, as well as the tooth type and the surface involved in the resorption. Conclusions: All root levels and surfaces of teeth associated with impacted maxillary canine teeth can be resorbed to different levels of severity. Neither age nor gender influences the number, location or severity of the resorption.