Abstract
ASSESSMENT OF COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPACTED CANINE REMOVAL

Impacted teeth fail to erupt fully into the oral cavity within the expected time due to impact with the jaw bone, adjacent tooth or even the gums. Impacted canine is not an uncommon clinical problem in dental patients. Hence; the present study was conducted for assessing complications associated with impacted canine removal. Materials and methods: The diagnosis of an impacted maxillary canine was confirmed and the location of the tooth determined on the basis of radiographs according to established standardized techniques. Complications that were recorded in the clinical and surgical notes and their diagnosis based on the available radiographs were noted. Clinical photographs, where available, were also used to determine the complications associated with the occurrence and treatment of the impacted maxillary canines. Results: We observed that preoperative pain in impacted tooth was observed in 30 percent patients. Cystic changes were seen in 25 % patients and swelling in relation to the impacted tooth was seen in 10 % patients. Bleeding from site of surgery and unsatisfactory healing was seen in 5% patients, hematoma, postoperative pain, purulent discharge, transient paresthesia, iatrogenic damage to adjacent soft tissue and discoloration of adjacent teeth was seen in 2.5 % patients. Conclusion: Bleeding from site of surgery and unsatisfactory healing are common complications with extraction of the impacted tooth