The Prevalence of Impacted Maxillary Canine Amongst Libyan Population in Western Region: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Aims. This study aims to determine the prevalence of impacted maxillary canines and its distribution difference between gender, location, and side of impaction in western Libyan population using panoramic radiographs. Methods. A sample of 1300 panoramic radiographs were retrospectively examined for the presence of impacted maxillary canines. The radiographs were obtained from the records of various private clinics in the capital city of Tripoli. Results. 1100 out of 1300 radiographs were selected of the study; of which 56 had evidence of maxillary canine impaction with a prevalence of 5.1%. Canine impaction distribution among the genders, the percentage of impacted canines in males was 37% and in females was 63%. A higher percentage of impactions were seen in female and more often unilaterally 82.1% than bilaterally 17.9%. No differences were noted between the right and left side of impactions. Conclusion. The prevalence of maxillary impacted canines in the western Libyan population was found to be (5.1%) lies within the range reported in other populations. The maxillary canine impactions occurred more in females, unilaterally than bilaterally.