Investigation of transmigrated mandibular canines

INTRODUCTION: Canine transmigration is a rare orthodontic condition and it is relevant to perform the proper diagnose at an early age. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to find out the frequency of transmigrated mandibular canines (TRC) in orthodontic patients obtained from South Asian population of Pakistan origin. METHODS: Panoramic radiographs of 2,550 untreated orthodontic patients (1,248 males; 1,302 females) were included, to investigate the presence, site, and type of TRC. Any permanent mandibular canine that was found to be crossing the midline in panoramic radiographs was considered as TRC. RESULTS: The frequency of TRC was found to be 0.98%. TRC were only found unilaterally. No significance regarding gender and side was found. Nineteen TRC displayed a type 1 transmigratory pattern, while type 2 and type 5 transmigratory patterns were encountered in three patients. CONCLUSION: Frequency of transmigrated mandibular canines in the studied sample was 0.98%.