Objective: To investigate the prevalence, demographic and clinical characteristics of transmigrated canines in a south Indian orthodontic patient population.
Design: Retrospective observational study.
Setting: Manipal University, Manipal, India.
Subjects and methods: Panoramic radiographs of 3500 patients were examined and data collected regarding the number and side of transmigrated canines, sex and age of patients, any other associated pathologies and subsequent treatment. Transmigrated canines were classified according to Mupparapu's classification.
Results: The prevalence of transmigrated canines in this population was found to be 0.46% of which, seven were males (age: 17-51 years) and nine were females (age: 17-35 years). All transmigrated canines were unilateral and impacted. Eleven canines migrated from the left to the right side, and five migrated from the right to the left. Of the 16 patients, 13 had retained primary canines and 3 had exfoliated primary canines. Eight canines exhibited a type 1 transmigratory pattern, type 2, type 4 and type 5 transmigratory patterns were exhibited by two canines each. One of the canines was classified as type 3. Three canines were associated with dentigerous cyst formation. Four cases were treated by orthodontic traction, while one was removed surgically. Others were observed periodically.
Conclusions: Diagnosis of transmigration at earlier stages is important to prevent more complex occlusal problems.