Clinical application of protocols for early diagnosis and treatment approaches of eruption disturbances of impacted mandibular and maxillary canines

Upper canine teeth are the second most commonly impacted permanent teeth. They take an  essential role for a functional and esthetic dentition fit. Impaction of lower canines is a relatively rare anomaly, but complications resulting from it are extremely severe.
The aim of the present lecture is to outline the application of certain indicators over the standard OPT, using data from clinical examination and dental and chronological age of the patient.  The findings derived from the application of these criteria and the protocols for early diagnosis assist clinicians in choosing  adequate preventive or treatment protocol. Following the steps of the protocol for the particular age of the patient, the dental clinician could determine the presence of disturbances in the eruption path and development of canines. Considering the developmental stage of the dentition, the protocols will guide the clinician toward preventive or treatment strategies to change the canine’s eruption path and reduce the risk of impaction complications.