Impaction of the permanent maxillary canine is a common finding in orthodontic clinical practice and carries a considerable risk of functional, aesthetic, and periodontal complications, particularly root resorption of adjacent incisors. Given the long and complex eruptive pathway of this tooth, the assessment of eruption predictability represents a critical component of early diagnosis. The present article examines the concept of the maxillary canine eruption assessment index, its application methodology, and its clinical relevance in contemporary dental practice. The study is based on an integrative analysis of clinical and radiographic parameters used to evaluate the risk of impaction, with particular emphasis on the Ericson & Kurol index, a system widely acknowledged for its clinical validity. The principal radiological indicators are described and correlated, including canine angulation relative to the midline, vertical position, degree of crown overlap with the lateral incisor root, and available space in the dental arch, alongside age-dependent predictive clinical signs. The use of standardized assessment tables and decision-making algorithms enables an objective classification of eruption risk and supports the formulation of appropriate therapeutic strategies. The findings indicate that the systematic application of the eruption assessment index facilitates early identification of cases with moderate to high risk, thereby guiding clinicians toward effective interceptive measures such as extraction of the primary canine, space maintenance and regaining, and maxillary expansion. In cases diagnosed at a later stage, the combined surgical-orthodontic approach remains the primary treatment modality, being associated with a higher degree of complexity and risk. In conclusion, the maxillary canine eruption assessment index constitutes a valuable and indispensable diagnostic tool for preventing impaction and optimizing orthodontic treatment outcomes.
Keywords: impacted maxillary canine, canine eruption, Ericson & Kurol index, early diagnosis, radiographic evaluation, interceptive treatment, surgical-orthodontic management.