A Retrospective Study of Ectopic Eruption in 35 Dogs

Ectopic eruption results from a disturbance in tooth development and eruption, leading to an erupted or non-erupted tooth being in an unexpected anatomical location. This retrospective case series describes the location, position, form, and clinical signs associated with ectopic eruption in dogs. Thirty-five dogs (46 teeth) were diagnosed with ectopic eruption at three clinical practices during 2017-2020. The cases were described in terms of the location, the development and eruption status, the clinical signs, the consequences, and the treatment performed. The collected data were statistically analyzed to establish possible ramifications. The results showed that the ectopic eruption in the evaluated cases involved permanent teeth, mainly located in the maxilla, and mostly unerupted. Those located in the mandible were significantly more impacted than those located in the maxilla. This study concluded that tooth crowding and malocclusion (39.1%), facial swelling (8.6%), and periodontal disease (8.6%) were associated with the presence of ectopic eruption, and consequently, treatment was required in the majority (65.2%) of cases.