Transmigrant Mandibular Canines

J Oral Maxillofac Surg 65(10):5 (2007) PMID 17884533

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the patterns of transmigrant mandibular canines, the incidence and classification of transmigrant canines, and the associated pathology of these teeth. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was composed of 4,500 panoramic radiographs of patients who presented to our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services from January 1998 to December 2005. Panoramic radiographs were reviewed. Observations were made on the status of missing permanent mandibular canines, retained deciduous canines, side and number of transmigrant canines, gender and age of patients, and any other associated pathology. Results: In the present study, a total of 15 patients had transmigrated canines-6 females (ages 13-33 years) and 9 males (ages 13-57 years). All transmigrant canines were unilateral. Two canines were impacted in the mandible enveloped in cystic lesions. The rest of the transmigrated canines were in varying stages of intraosseous travel and positioning within the mandible, with no pathological entity. Conclusion: The use of a panoramic radiograph is imperative and is recommended for discovering such rare malpositions. If the mandibular canine that has migrated across the mandible is associated with pathology, it may be removed. Otherwise, it should be kept under observation.