Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of impacted maxillary canines on root resorption and periodontal tissues of adjacent central, lateral, and premolar teeth across different age groups using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging. METHODS: CBCT images of 203 impacted maxillary canines from patients of varying ages were retrospectively evaluated. Parameters included eruption stage, localization (right/left and palatal/buccal/central), dental follicle characteristics (shape and width), contact with adjacent teeth, periodontal contour integrity, and degree and location of root resorption. Statistical analyses assessed the relationships between these variables. RESULTS: A total of 203 impacted maxillary canines, including 123 on the right and 80 on the left side, were assessed. Impacted canines were most commonly affected with lateral teeth (57.6%). Root resorption occurred in 33.3% of these lateral teeth, with 14.5% showing severe resorption. Mild resorption was most frequently observed in central incisors and first premolars (16.7% and 12.5%, respectively). Root resorption was significantly more frequent when impacted maxillary canines were in contact with adjacent teeth (p = 0.005 for central incisors, p < 0.001 for lateral incisors, and p = 0.012 for premolars). No significant difference was found between genders in terms of root resorption (p > 0.05). Impacted canines were most commonly located in the palatal position (73.4%), but no statistically significant difference was found in root resorption rates between palatal, buccal, and central positions (p = 0.490). Canine follicle shape, width, and eruption stage did not significantly affect root resorption (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Palatal position and contact of impacted maxillary canines with adjacent teeth increase root resorption frequency, especially affecting lateral incisors. CBCT provides accurate diagnostic information that supports clinical decision-making for impacted canine cases.