Prevalencia de caninos permanentes impactados y sus factores asociados en radiografías panorámicas de pacientes atendidos en el Centro Radiológico “Insideimagen” de Cuenca - Ecuador, en el periodo enero del 2023 a enero del 2024

Abstract

Dental impaction is an alteration of the eruption process that occurs when a tooth fails to emerge properly due to a physical barrier in its path. Permanent canines were the second most frequently affected teeth, after third molars. Panoramic radiography is a fundamental diagnostic tool in these cases, as it allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the canine's position and relationship to adjacent structures. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of impacted permanent canines and their associated factors in panoramic radiographs of patients treated at the "Insideimagen" Radiological Center in Cuenca, Ecuador, from January 2023 to January 2024. Methodology: 1110 panoramic radiographs were obtained; the sample consisted of all images resulting from the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Impacted canines were classified according to the Ericson and Kurol classifications, as well as the Ugalde classification. The association between canine impaction and the patients' clinical and demographic characteristics was evaluated using the chi-square test, considering a p-value ≤ 0.05 significant. Results: The prevalence of impacted permanent canines was 3.7%, occurring more frequently in the maxilla, unilaterally, and was associated with age recoded according to the mean. Conclusion: Canine impaction had a low prevalence in the studied population; however, its early identification was relevant due to the clinical and orthodontic implications.