Effect of Diagnosis by Two-Dimensional Radiography Versus CBCT on Surgical Aspects of Transmigrated Impacted Mandibular Canines.

PURPOSE: The transmigration of mandibular canines is a rare clinical finding. The present study aimed to compare the effect of diagnosis by two-dimensional radiography and cone beam computed tomography on surgical aspects of transmigrated impacted mandibular canines. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 20 patients (mean age 20.18 ± 3.36 years; male/female = 1.5:1), reporting to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with transmigrated impacted mandibular canines and planned for surgical removal, were randomly divided into two groups of ten patients each. Group A patients were diagnosed using 2D radiographs (orthopantomograms and occlusal view radiographs), and Group B patients were diagnosed using CBCT scans. The effects of the diagnosis on surgical aspects were compared in both the groups using various intraoperative and post-operative parameters.
RESULTS: The operating surgeons experienced lesser operating time and more accuracy in terms of prediction of surgical approach in Group B patients than in Group A. Post-operative complications, including post-operative vitality of the adjacent tooth and lower lip paraesthesia, were seen to be more in Group A patients than in Group B.
CONCLUSION: Increased precision in localization of transmigrated impacted mandibular canines was seen by using CBCT, leading to better surgical experience and lesser post-operative complications. © The Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India 2020.