Transmigrated canines: Review and update

Abstract

Transmigrated canines are impacted canines that have crossed the midline. Our objective was to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical aspects that have to do with transmigrated canines. We did a bibliographic review of 209 transmigrated canines obtained from a review of articles from 1971 to the present. The results of the study were that transmigrated canines are most frequent among females and are usually diagnosed within the first two decades of life. They are usually located in the mandible, with transmigration being most frequent in the left mandibular canine. In a large number of cases, the deciduous canine remains in the arcade. Transmigrated canines are most often found impacted, the primary position being mesially inclined, having crossed the midline. There is no pathology that is clearly associated with these canines, although radiolucence compatible with a cyst was found in a great percentage. In conclusion, given that it is not possible to predict when dental transmigration is going to occur, we must monitor those mandibular canines which present a delay in their eruption, in order to try to carry out an interceptive treatment and avoid possible pathologies.