Buccolingual and arch distribution patterns of permanent teeth impactions in an Egyptian population: a CBCT-based retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of impacted teeth fluctuates across various ethnicities and geographical regions. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of impacted permanent teeth, excluding third molars, in the Egyptian population, and to report, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, the characteristics of the impacted teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study design was employed to address the study aim, where 4522 pre-treatment panoramic radiographs were collected from several radiographic centers in Alexandria, Egypt. The presence of any impacted permanent tooth, except third molars, was documented based on the stage of root development, and the patient's CBCT scan was retrieved from the patient's file for evaluation of the arch distribution (maxillary or mandibular), the side distribution (right or left), and the buccolingual position of each impacted tooth (labial/buccal, lingual/palatal, or mid-ridge). Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all variables. RESULTS: The results showed that 315 subjects (7%) presented with impactions, with 191 subjects (60.6%) exhibiting a single impacted tooth, and three subjects (0.9%) exhibiting six or more impacted teeth. Canines constituted 72.1% of the impactions, followed by second premolars (16%). A significantly larger number of central incisors, lateral incisors, canines and first premolars were impacted in the maxillary arch than in the mandibular arch (p < 0.001). A significantly larger number of second premolars was impacted in the mandibular arch than the maxillary arch (p < 0.001). No significant side differences were found for all tooth categories (p = 0.63). Most of the impacted maxillary central incisors, canines, and premolars, and the impacted mandibular canines and second premolars were located labially. All impacted mandibular first premolars were located labially. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of impactions is 7% in the non-syndromic Egyptian population. Patients present most commonly with a single impacted tooth. The higher prevalence of impactions in the maxillary arch and on the labial side of the arch warrants thorough clinical examination and radiographic assessment of these areas. Clinicians should pay special attention to canine impaction.