Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate impacted mandibular canines and adjacent dentoalveolar structures using cone beam computed tomography. Methods: Measurements were made on CBCT images of 54 impacted mandibular canines. Parameters such as the position of the canine teeth, follicle diameter, their relationship with the mental foramen and the incisive mandibular canal, resorption in the adjacent teeth, interpremolar and intermolar width, arch symmetry, and mesiodistal width of the canine teeth were investigated. Results: The resorption rate in adjacent permanent teeth was recorded as 14.8%. No statistically significant difference was found between the follicle size of the canine tooth and the resorption in the adjacent teeth (p > 0.05). Cortical bone perforation was found in 83.3% of individuals with impacted mandibular canines. Teeth in contact with the mental foramen and incisive mandibular canal were found in 11.1% and 6.5%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the interpremolar and intermolar width on the impacted and non-impacted sides (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed in the mesiodistal width of the canines and arch length on the impacted and non-impacted sides (p < 0.05). Conclusions: No correlation was found between root resorption in adjacent teeth and follicle size. Cortical bone perforations were observed in most impacted canines, and some were in contact with the mental foramen and the incisive mandibular canal. Although transversal arch widths were similar on the impacted and non-impacted sides, differences in arch length and mesiodistal widths may affect arch symmetry and should be considered in treatment planning.
Objectives: Since the formation of skeletal malocclusions is closely linked to general craniofacial development, it is crucial to understand the anatomy and growth patterns of the skull base. This study aimed to assess the morphometry of the occipital condyle (OC) on CBCT scans of Class III skeletal malocclusion subjects and compare the findings with those of skeletal Class I malocclusion subjects. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on CBCT images based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample consisted of 76 CBCT images of 38 skeletal Class III patients and 38 skeletal Class I patients. CBCT scans were used to measure mesiodistal width, sagittal length, coronal height, effective height of OC, and sagittal OC angle. Statistical analyses were conducted with RStudio software. Results: Significant differences were found in sagittal OC angle and sagittal length of OC between the study groups (p < 0.001). In other metrics, such as coronal height of OC, effective OC height, and mesiodistal width of OC between the groups, no significant differences were found. Class III malocclusions exhibited significantly reduced sagittal OC angle and sagittal length of OC compared to Class I malocclusions. The left side showed a significantly larger sagittal OC angle than the right side (p = 0.002). Conclusions: This preliminary study identified reduced sagittal angle and sagittal length of OC in patients with Class III skeletal malocclusion. Clinicians should recognize potential differences in OC morphometry in patients with skeletal malocclusions. Future studies involving larger populations are recommended to further investigate the relationship between skeletal malocclusions and posterior cranial base structures, including the OC.