Strategies for Managing the Risk of Mucogingival Changes During Impacted Maxillary Canine Treatment

Gingival recession is a frequent mucogingival defect in the adult population. It affects the esthetics and is related to hypersensitivity and a high risk of periodontal attachment loss. The connection between orthodontic treatment and periodontal health has been debated for a long time. A healthy periodontium can be preserved during safe orthodontic tooth movement even in patients with poor mucogingival anatomy. This article aimed to review the strategies around managing the risks of mucogingival and apical root changes owing to maxillary canine impaction, with a special focus on gingival recession and impacted maxillary canine treatment. Maxillary canines are the second most frequently impacted teeth after the third molars. They can be located in the labial or buccal aspect of the alveolar bone. If interceptive procedures fail, the next step is the challenging and time-consuming comprehensive orthodontic-surgical treatment. Determining the exact impacted canine location, its relation to the adjacent teeth and structures, the least invasive surgical approach, and the best path for traction are all a part of the standard diagnostic process. It has also been suggested that orthodontists should evaluate periodontal risks to achieve the best possible results. Clinical examination and cone beam computed tomography provide valuable information for the treatment plan that yields good results with a healthy periodontium.