Sella turcica bridging a diagnostic marker for impacted canines and supernumerary teeth

Aims: Altered sella turcica morphology, sella turcica bridging, or calcification of the interclinoidal ligament (ICL) of the sella turcica has been associated with various dental anomalies. To investigate whether impacted canines or the presence of hyperdontia (supernumerary teeth) is associated with sellar bridging, a retrospective study was done. The aim of the study was to check the frequency of sella turcica bridging in participants with impacted canines and hyperdontia compared with a control group. Material and Methods: Determination of the extent of sella turcica bridging was carried out using lateral cephalometric radiographs from 39 patients with impacted canines and 23 patients with hyperdontia or supernumerary teeth. The extent of the sella turcica bridging on each lateral cephalogram was assessed based on a standardized scoring scale (Type I, II, and III) and then compared with those of the control group consisting of 36 patients. Results: The frequency of complete calcification of ICL (Type III bridging) in patients with impacted canines and hyperdontia was 17.9% and 21.7%, whereas 5.6% was found in the control group. A partially calcified ICL (Type II bridging) was observed in 43.6% and 21.7% of patients with impacted canines and hyperdontia compared with 19.7% in the control group. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant according to Chi-square statistics which proved the frequency of sella turcica bridging in patients with dental anomalies is increased. Conclusion: The frequency of sella turcica bridging is positively associated and increased in patients with impacted canines and hyperdontia when compared to a control group. Sella turcica bridging can be used as a diagnostic marker of underlying dental anomalies such as impacted canines and hyperdontia.