## 1 Introduction  
Maxillary canine impaction is a common clinical finding that often is noticed during routine orthodontic observation. After third molars, maxillary canines are the most frequently impacted teeth, with 1-3% prevalence in the general population [1, 2, 3]. In contrast to the third molar, the maxillary canine is in a highly demanding esthetic and functional region, leading to its greater role in orthodontics [4]. Root resorption (RR) of an adjacent tooth is an undesirable yet significant consequence of an impacted maxillary canine. It is an irreversible, aseptic, and adverse sequela leading to the progressive loss of cementum and dentine from the adjacent teeth in relation to the impacted maxillary canine [5].  
Several potential radiographic predictors have been identified for the RR of teeth associated with impacted maxillary canines. These include the width of the canine and adjacent teeth, canine angulation and distance to reference planes, canine vertical relationships, canine position and overlap, dental anomalies, and canine follicle size [6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]. Canine contact or physical proximity of \(\leq\)1 mm to an adjacent root is considered the most important predictor for root resorption [10, 14, 15].  
Root resorption is clinically asymptomatic, difficult to identify, and most difficult to treat. Since root resorption lacks symptoms, it tends to be diagnosed late [16]. Excessive pressure from the localized impacted tooth stimulates the resorbing cells and leads to root resorption. Removal of this source of mechanical irritation can slow the resorption process and allow the root to repair [17]. In cases where resorption has compromised the tooth's blood supply, treatment can be a daunting task that requires endodontic treatment. In severe cases, elective extraction of the resorbed tooth might be the only viable option. Hence, early and precise identification and diagnosis of an impacted canine are paramount in good orthodontic practice. A study has found that the facial biotype detectable in lateral cephalometric radiographs has a predictive value in canine impaction [18].  
It has been shown that impacted amines can lead to different severity levels of RR at all root levels and surfaces [19]. In the past, traditional two-dimensional radiographic techniques, such as orthopantomogram, cephalogram, and periapical and occlusal radiographs, have been used for the localization of impacted amines and the identification of RR. These methods provide poor clinical information due to contrast, distortion, superimposition, and artifacts [20]. With the advancement of three-dimensional imaging and the advent of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), the diagnosis of RR has improved significantly. This can be attributed to the sensitivity and accuracy of CBCT in its ability to detect RR [8, 21]. Although the radiation dose is higher in CBCT than conventional methods, it is lower than other imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) [22]. Considering this cost-benefit ratio, CBCT is currently the imaging choice for the identification and localization of an impacted maxillary canine and its associated root resorption in adjacent teeth.  
Several studies have evaluated the prevalence, location, and severity of maxillary canine impaction and root resorption in various regions and ethnic populations around the world [19]. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted to identify the location and severity of root resorption associated with an impacted maxillary canine in the Saudi population. Therefore, this study aims to identify the location of root resorption in relation to the impacted maxillary canine and grade its severity using CBCT in a Saudi Arabian population sample.