Early radiographic diagnosis of apical root resorption during orthodontic treatment: a study of maxillary incisors

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of digital radiographs for detection of (i) simulated root resorption cavities in an experimental model and (ii) orthodontically-induced apical root resorption in vivo. The severity of root resorption after 3 and 6 months treatment was studied in relation to root form. The experimental study cavities, drilled in mandibular roots in a dry skull, were recorded in conventional and digital radiographs. In vivo root resorption was evaluated on digital radiographs of 92 maxillary incisors after 3 and 6 months treatment with fixed appliances. The results showed a similar sensitivity for the two methods. Sensitivity increased significantly with cavity size. After 3 months apical root resorption was detected in only a few teeth. The number had increased significantly after 6 months. There was a higher degree of root resorption in teeth with blunt and pipette-shaped apices. In such teeth a 3-month radiographic control is recommended.