Diagnosis and Prevention of Maxillary Cuspid Impaction
Abstract
Upper cuspid impaction is a serious problem that occurs with sufficient frequency to justify diagnosis and intervention as early as a dental age of 8 years. Screening consists of identifying patients who lack a normal cuspid bulge on palpation, with follow-up radiographic evaluation where indicated. Selective removal of deciduous cuspids is a suggested interceptive measure in Class I uncrowded malocclusions.
Contributor Notes
Dr. Williams is Professor and immediate past Chairman of the Department of Orthodontics at Ohio State University, and in the private practice of orthodontics in Worthington, Ohio. He is a dental graduate (D.D.S.) of Ohio State University, holds an M.Sc. degree in Anatomy from Ohio State University and an M.S. in orthodontics from the University of lllinois, and is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics