Asymptomatic bilateral maxillary and mandibular impacted permanent canines: serendipity in dental outpatient department

Dear Editor,

Detailed radiographic study using orthopantomograms to determine the frequency of impacted teeth and categorization of impacted canines is present in the literature1. This letter calls attention to a case of asymptomatic bilateral maxillary and mandibular impacted permanent canines in a 10-year-old Indian boy who visited our dental department for removal of corner milk teeth on the right upper and lower arches. On clinical examination, retained maxillary and mandibular deciduous canines were found on the right side.(Fig. 1, 2) There was previous history of extraction of maxillary and mandibular deciduous canines on the left side 2 months prior. Radiographic investigation using orthopantomogram was carried out and showed bilateral maxillary and mandibular impacted permanent canines.(Fig. 3) There were no associated odontogenic neoplasms, and the patient was asymptomatic. Since there is no facility for orthodontic and surgical correction in our center, the patient was referred to a higher center for further treatment.

Fig. 1. Retained maxillary deciduous canine with palatal eruption of a maxillary permanent lateral incisor on the right side (arrow).

Fig. 2. Retained mandibular deciduous canine on the right side (arrow).

Fig. 3. Panoramic radiograph showing bilateral maxillary and mandibular impacted permanent canines (arrows).