Early treatment of palatally erupting maxillary canines by extraction of the primary canines

Abstract

The effect of extraction of the primary canine on palatally erupting ectopic maxillary canines was analysed. There were 46 consecutive ectopic canines, in 35 individuals, aged 10.0–13.0 years (mean age 11.4 years) at the time of discovery of the ectopic eruption. All cases showed no or minor space loss. After extraction of the primary canine, the children were investigated clinically and radiographed at 6-month intervals for up to 18 months.

In 36 of the 46 canines (78%) the palatal eruption changed to normal; 23 already showed improved positions after 6 months and 13 after 12 months. No new cases normalized after 12 months.

We suggest that extraction of the primary canine is the treatment of choice in young individuals to correct palatally ectopically erupting maxillary canines provided that normal space conditions are present and no incisor root resorptions are found.