Which scenario indicates extraction of a permanent canine for orthodontic purposes?

Which scenario indicates extraction of a permanent canine for orthodontic purposes?

• A. Anterior position
• B. Oral position
• C. Tooth impacted, without the possibility to be brought inside of arch
• D. Class II/2 Angle malocclusion

Answer: (C)

The situation being tested is when a permanent canine should be extracted in orthodontics. Canines are valuable for function and aesthetics, so extraction is not a routine choice. It becomes indicated only when the tooth is severely blocked from eruption and there is no realistic way to guide it into the dental arch with orthodontic mechanics. In that scenario, removing the canine can prevent ongoing pathology, simplify space management, and allow the rest of the dentition to align more predictably. If the canine is already in an anterior position or is erupting normally, extraction is not indicated. Likewise, a Class II/2 malocclusion is managed with alignment and often premolar extractions rather than removing a canine. Therefore, the best scenario for extracting a permanent canine is when the tooth is impacted with no possibility of bringing it into the arch.

The situation being tested is when a permanent canine should be extracted in orthodontics. Canines are valuable for function and aesthetics, so extraction is not a routine choice. It becomes indicated only when the tooth is severely blocked from eruption and there is no realistic way to guide it into the dental arch with orthodontic mechanics. In that scenario, removing the canine can prevent ongoing pathology, simplify space management, and allow the rest of the dentition to align more predictably. If the canine is already in an anterior position or is erupting normally, extraction is not indicated. Likewise, a Class II/2 malocclusion is managed with alignment and often premolar extractions rather than removing a canine. Therefore, the best scenario for extracting a permanent canine is when the tooth is impacted with no possibility of bringing it into the arch.