Rare case of inverted impacted canine in infra-orbitary position requiring surgical therapy on

Objectives. Inclusion of maxillary canine is a common anomaly of timing eruption. The tooth is commonly found in a palatal position, and the frequency rate is higher in female than in male patients. In the frame of this type of anomaly, the inverted position of the impacted tooth is very rare, and unfortunately, the only possible treatment is the surgical extraction. Case report. Here a case of a completed and root formed impacted canine in an inverted position is reported together with the surgical intervention. A 14-years-old patient under orthodontic treatment presented a delay in the canine eruption. The orthopantomogram revealed the canine was retained in an inverted position with the crown under the orbit floor. After an accurate radiological study of the involved anatomic area by means of computed tomography, the surgical extraction under general anesthesia was performed and the tooth was removed. Even though the tooth was nearby the orbital floor and the nasal cavity the intervention did not require the use of operative microscope. Conclusions. Tooth retention is a frequent eruption anomaly that the dental practitioners may face in their professional life. An accurate clinical and radiological diagnosis, based on tridimensional exams such as computed tomography is fundamental for a correct treatment planning, either involving the combined intervention of surgical and orthodontic procedures or the surgical removal alone.