Transmigrated & unusually impacted canine teeth with associated pathologies in mandible a prospective study

Objectives & Aims: Canine impaction is one of the anomalies that should be considered by clinicians in detail. Various studies have reported impacted & transmigrated canine teeth in literature, but comprehensive studies available are very few. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, prevalence, patterns & potential distribution of unusually impacted canine teeth in mandible stratified by gender, location (RT or LT) & unilateral or bilateral in mandibular. This study also aims to report transmigrated canine & the possible relationship between impacted & transmigrated with dentigerous teeth & other associated pathologies in mandible Methods: The study was carried out in the department of Oral & Maxillofacial surgery over a period of three years. Patients were referred from oral medicine, radiology department with the symptom of swelling, pain, discharge or missing canines. Patients were also referred from orthodontics department for missing canines & retained deciduous canines. Patients with maxillary canine impactions were excluded. After examination of panoramic radiographs & clinical symptoms diagnosis was made, associated symptoms like pain, swelling, number, localization (RT/LT) age & sex, retained deciduous teeth, root resorption of adjacent teeth was also noted. Results: The included sample consisted of 83 patients diagnosed with canine impacted canines in mandible on clinical examination & panoramic radiographs. Age ranged from 21 to 67 years. 46 were females &37 were males 62% were on left &36 on right side of mandible. 41 patients were between age group of 21-40 years, 19 cases were between 40-45, 21were between 45-60 years. Two patients were between 60- 65 years dentigerous cyst was seen in 48 cases above the 40 years of age, 27 cases were diagnosed on routine radiographic examination without any pathology, 24 cases reported with malocclusion, retained & mobile deciduous teeth. Two patients had transmigrated canine associated with draining sinus Conclusion: The early detection of impacted as well as transmigrated teeth is crucial for successful treatment, therefore demographic studies are important & should be managed to prevent complications.