LAUSR

resorption resulted in loss of the lateral incisor. It is possible this could have been avoided by early palpation and a timely referral. Therefore, we would like to use this case to highlight the essential role of primary care providers and the importance of adhering to the Royal College of Surgeons Guidelines on ‘Management of the Palatally Ectopic Maxillary Canine’.4 It should be remembered that canine ectopy is typically symptomless until presenting with severe resorption. Therefore, commencing annual palpation of the buccal sulcus for the maxillary canine from age eight is essential. Practitioners should suspect a canine is ectopic when not palpable in the buccal sulcus by age 10–11, there is an asymmetry of palpation or abnormal inclination of adjacent teeth. A timely referral and appropriate multidisciplinary input are key in reducing the risk of such complications and complex restorative treatment with a lifetime of maintenance. This case also highlights the importance of clear and contemporaneous clinical records by primary care providers and orthodontists, especially in the current heightened medico-legal climate. H. Bradley, L. Hurst, M. Collard, Cardiff, UK