EARLY WARNINGS OF PERMANENT MANDIBULAR CANINE ECTOPIA: CLINICAL RELEVANCE. A REVIEW

The eruption of permanent teeth represents a complex series of events, mostly genetically based, whereby eruptive movements of the
tooth germ taking place at a predetermined time and route enable the tooth to find its antagonist at a predetermined occlusal plane. As
the eruption process is so complex, it is not surprising that the problems related to aberrant eruption pattern may arise. When there is a
clinical absence of one or several teeth, and the history indicates that they have not been extracted, then partial anodontia or tooth
impaction should be considered.
Most cases with the eruption disturbances of mandibular canines do not have any symptoms, and such canines are often discovered at
the radiological examination before the orthodontic treatment. Identification of early warning signs of such disturbances shall greatly
enhance the diagnosis and treatment planning for such cases. In this paper we have stressed upon the clinical relevance of these signs,
so that not only for the orthodontist but also for the general dental practitioner, it becomes simpler to evaluate the tendency of
mandibular canine ectopia and to take appropriate action.