Evaluation of potency of panoramic radiography for estimating the position of maxillary impacted canines using 3D CT

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potency of panoramic radiography for the detection of maxillary impacted canines. Methods: Twenty-five patients were selected, comprised of 7 males (mean age: 10.9 years, range: 8.5 - 14.5 years) and 18 females (mean age: 10.9 years, range: 8.2 - 15.7 years). In total, thirty-five maxillary impacted canines were estimated. The position of the canine and root resorption of adjacent teeth were evaluated on panoramic radiography and 3D CT. Results: Except for angulation to the occlusal plane, the other parameters, such as tooth length, crown width, vertical distance and lateral shift showed larger values on panoramic radiography compared to 3D CT. In palatally impacted cases, the angulation of canine was smaller, and the vertical distance to the occlusal place was larger on panoramic radiography than 3D CT. For labially impacted canines, tooth length, crown width, and angulation to the occlusal plane were similar for the two methods. The sensitivity for detecting root resorption on panoramic radiography was calculated as being 33.3% of 3D CT. Conclusions: The position of labially impacted canines can be effectively estimated using panoramic radiography, but palatally impacted canines need further investigation such as 3D CT for proper diagnosis.