Bilateral agenesis of maxillary permanent canines: Review of the literature

Abstract

Oligodontia, or agenesis of six or more teeth, excluding third molars, which involves canine agenesis is rare, and restorative management can be challenging. Bilateral agenesis of a permanent canine in the general population often indicates a several missing adult teeth. The most common sign of it is the primary canine retention beyond its exfoliation age. The multistage restorative management includes the early diagnosis, excluding associated medical problems as well as assessment of patient's malocclusion and facial skeletal pattern, life span of deciduous teeth, possibility of premolar substitution, minimum required number of prosthetic units, patient's preferences, and the cost of treatment. A 10-year-old boy with bilateral agenesis of maxillary permanent canines is described. Some thoughts on the multidisciplinary restorative management of this case are discussed.

Keywords: Maxillary permanent canine agenesis; oligodontia; premolar substitution.

Figure 1

Profile view of the patient

Figure 2

(a-c) Intra-oral photos show retained right maxillary and mandibular deciduous second molars, retained maxillary deciduous lateral incisors and canines, and retained left mandibular deciduous second molar. The lower left lateral incisor is absent, but it is not seen in the anterior occlusal view

Figure 3

(a and b) Panoramic radiograph at the initial examination, above teeth were missing: The consecutive panoramic radiograph was taken 18 months later (below). Retained deciduous maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular second molars showed some degree of root resorption