Prevalence and pattern of impacted canines in Najran, South Western Saudi Arabian population

BACKGROUND: The canine plays an important role in dentofacial aesthetics and function. It supports the base of the alar and upper lip, which are necessary for smile aesthetics. When impacted, these functions are lost, leading to low self-esteem and overall poor health-related quality of life. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and pattern of impacted canines in the southwestern region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study carried out in a dental center in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 2000 panoramic radiographs were screened, and all patients with impacted canines were further screened both clinically and radiologically (cone beam CT). Demographics, position, laterality, and relationships to the midline were retrieved and recorded. Cone beam CT was used to diagnose palatal or labial impactions. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for IOS Version 25 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). RESULTS: A total of 2000 panoramic radiographs were screened, out of which 107 cases were found to have impacted canines, giving a prevalence of 5.35%. There were 38 males and 69 females with a M:F ratio of 1:1.8. Their age ranged from 15 to 75 years with a mean ± SD age of 20.4 ± 11.1. There were more affected maxillary canines (99 (92.5%)) compared with mandibular canines (8 (7.5%)). Palatal impaction positions were more frequent than labial impactions. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of canine impaction in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia was 5.35%, with a female preponderance and more palatal positions. The impactions occurred more unilaterally on the left side than on both sides.