Introduction: Maxillary canines have the highest frequency of impaction behind that of the third molars. The majority of maxillary impacted canines are palatal compared to labial. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of impacted maxillary canines can determine the exact location of the tooth. Free hand technique for the removal of palatally impacted maxillary canine tooth is associated with complications such as postoperative pain, swelling, necrosis, or a deformity of the maxilla due to massive bone removal. To minimize adverse effects caused by conventional technique, a surgical template for intraoperative navigation can be used to overcome the drawbacks of the traditional technique.
Objectives: To evaluate the efficiency of a novel surgical template for surgical removal of deeply palatally impacted maxillary canines (DPIMC).
Materials and Methods: Twenty patients aged from 16 to 35 years old with DPIMC referred from the Outpatient Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department and Orthodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University indicated for extraction were equally and randomly allocated into 2 groups; a novel surgical template was used in extraction of the DPIMC (Study group) versus free hand technique (Control group). Operation time, postoperative pain and bone density were evaluated to assess the efficiency of this novel surgical template.
Results: The Study group had a statistically significant shorter operation time compared with the Control group (p<.001).
Conclusion: The novel surgical template can significantly reduce the time needed for extraction of DPIMC, increases accuracy, minimize surgical complications and decrease patient's morbidity.