Author: Dr Shaun Goh
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Treatment Indications & Timings
Clinical Assessment & Presentations
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Description
Ectopic canine
“An ectopic canine is a canine which has deviated from its normal path of eruption. It may present as an erupted or unerupted tooth; on the palatal/lingual, mid-arch or buccal surfaces; and on the maxilla or mandible.”
– Proffit et al. 2013, Hudson et al. 2011
Maxillary palatally ectopic canine
(after exposure)
Maxillary buccally ectopic canine
Maxillary midalveolar impacted canine
(after exposure)
Mandibular lingually ectopic canine
Mandibular buccally ectopic canine
(after exposure)
Mandibular midalveolar ectopic canine
Treatment Indications & Timings
Early treatment indications:
➤ Labial canine bulge not palpable by age 10
➤ Early loss of deciduous canines or space
➤ Radiographic signs of canine ectopia
➤ Over-retained deciduous canine or obstruction
Comprehensive treatment indications:
➤ Damage to adjacent teeth and structures
➤ Crowding due to ectopic teeth
➤ Aesthetic concerns of ectopic teeth
➤ Trauma to soft tissues
Clinical Assessment & Presentations
Intraoral Features
Labial canine bulge
Diminutive or displaced lateral incisors
Radiographic signs
Diagnosis & Considerations
Diagnosis
- Maxillary or mandibular ectopic canine
- Palatal/lingual, midalveolar, buccal ectopia
- Severity of ectopia
Clinical Considerations
- Ideal timing for interceptive treatment
- Genetic or environmental aetiology
Treatment Options
An introduction to ectopic canines by the AAO and AAOMS
Click a treatment category to explore.
➤ Interceptive orthodontics
➤ Comprehensive orthodontics
➤ Surgical removal without orthodontics
➤ Leave canine in-situ
Associated Problems
Early loss of deciduous teeth | Crowding | Hypoplastic lateral incisors
