Level of Knowledge of Orthodontists Regarding the Indication for Traction or Extraction of Impacted Maxillary Canines (IMC): Observational Research and Literature Review

Abstract

Aims: The present study analyze the level of orthodontists’ knowledge regarding the indication of orthodontic traction or extraction of impacted maxillary canines (IMC) using panoramic radiographs (PRs) and contextualize the findings with current literature. Study Design: Original research article. Place and Duration of Study: Specialization course in Orthodontics at the Paulo Picanço College located in Fortaleza, state of Ceará, and to orthodontists in Ceará, between April 2009 and May 2023. Methodology: A survey was carried out with 151 orthodontists in the state of Ceará using the Google Forms online form. The results were evaluated based on the conclusions generated by descriptive statistical and frequency analysis carried out in SPSS 20.0 version software. Results: It was evidenced that most orthodontists consider themselves unable to determine the location of a IMC through PR, and factors such as overlap of the canine crown on adjacent teeth, vertical height of the canine crown, angulation of the canine in relation to the midline, position of the apex of the canine root horizontally, as well as the presence of changes, anomalies and pathological lesions were aspects considered for planning and deciding on treatment. Conclusion: It was concluded that the PR contains advantageous information to be considered in the evaluation, planning and indication of the treatment of IMC teeth, which allows the adoption of appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies, in addition to justifying the request for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).