Anatomical Characteristics of Impacted Single-Rooted Teeth in a Senegalese Population: A Cone Beam CT Study

Introduction: Impacted single-rooted teeth present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to their topographic and morphological variability. A thorough understanding of their position, root morphology, and associated pathologies is essential. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomical characteristics of impacted single-rooted teeth using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: This study included 96 impacted single-rooted teeth in 64 patients. CBCT scans were obtained from the dentomaxillofacial radiology department of the IOS, and images were analyzed using CS 3D Imaging software. The parameters assessed included the frequency of impacted teeth by type, root morphology, position in the transverse and sagittal planes, the presence of anatomical obstacles, and associated pathologies, particularly resorption of adjacent teeth. Results: The maxillary canine was the most frequently impacted tooth (49%), followed by the maxillary central incisors (23%). Root morphology was normal in 80.2% of cases, with dilaceration observed in 19.8%. In the transverse plane, teeth were mainly positioned buccally (45.8%) or palatally/lingually (44.8%). In the sagittal plane, the vertical position was the most common (39.6%), followed by oblique and horizontal positions (30.2% each). Anatomical obstacles to eruption were present in 12.5% of cases, while 19.8% of teeth exhibited associated pathologies. Resorption of adjacent teeth was noted in 12.5% of cases, mostly mid-root resorption (83.3%). Conclusion: These results confirm the value of CBCT in accurately evaluating impacted single-rooted teeth and highlight the need for comprehensive three-dimensional analysis to optimize diagnosis and treatment planning.