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 r adiographs for detection of (i) simulated root resorption cavities in an experimental model and (ii) orthodontically-induced apical root res orption 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 i n conventional and digital radiographs. In vivo root resorption was ev aluated on digital radiographs of 92 maxillary incisors after 3 and 6 months treatment with fixed appliances. The results showed a similar s ensitivity for the two methods. Sensitivity increased significantly wi th cavity size. After 3 months apical root resorption was detected in only a few teeth. The number had increased significantly after 6 month s. There was a higher degree of root resorption in teeth with blunt an d pipette-shaped apices. In such teeth a 3-month radiographic control is recommended.