Maxillary Central Incisor Root Resorption due to canine impaction after trauma : Is the canine substitution for maxillary incisors a suitable treatment option? : Two case report

OBJECTIVE: Canine impaction is a dental anomaly involving intraosseous displacement of the unerupted tooth. This situation is of significant importance causing orthodontic, surgical and interceptive problems. Trauma in the incisor area is a possible cause of the displacement of the tooth bud of the permanent canine resulting in the deviated eruption path. The aim of this article is to present two clinical cases with diagnosis of maxillary canine displacement and impaction in the incisor region after a traumatic injury during childhood, discussing treatment possibilities and outcomes achieved after orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this article ectopic maxillary canines migration in the central incisor area after a traumatic injury to the anterior upper teeth are described. The path of eruption of the canine can cause severe central incisor root resorption. Treatment strategy established for the case reports described involves orthodontic space opening, extraction of the central incisor, uncovering the impacted canine and orthodontic traction of the tooth in place of central incisor. Modification of crown morphology and color were essential to obtain an aesthetic and function outcome. RESULTS: The patients finished treatment with normal and stable occlusion, an adequate width of attached gingiva and good aesthetic results. CONCLUSION: Authors suggest that might have been a possible connection between the trauma of primary dentition causing the displacement of the tooth bud of permanent canine and the deviated path of eruption. For the growing patients with a combination of dental trauma and ectopic eruption, maxillary canine to replace a central incisor was a viable option, offering excellent aesthetic results without recourse to prosthetic replacement.