A study on the affecting factors on root resorption

Kim, Sang Cheol

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between incisor root resorption and sex, age, extraction, the magnitude and direction of tooth movement. The sample consisted of 189 randomly selected orthodontic patients, receiving standard edgewise orthodontic treatment in three private orthodontic offices at San Francisco. Pre-treatment and post-treatment periapicals and cephalometric radiographs were digitized. Measurements and superimpositions were made utilizing a computerized cephalometric analysis program. The variables were statistically analyzed. The results were as follows: 1. Mean apical root resorption values were 0.77+/-2.08mm for upper right central incisor, 0.88+/-2.11mm for upper left central incisor, -0.05+/-2.09mm for lower right central incisor and 0.11+/-1.85mm for lower left central incisor. Apical root resorption of upper incisor was greater than lowers. 2. No correlation was found between sex and apical root resorption. 3. Apical root resorptions in adolescents were smaller than those in adults. 4. Apical root resorption was not affected by extraction. 5. Apical root resorption values of upper incisor were correlated to the horizontal and vertical movement of apex; Apical root resorption values of lower incisor were correlated to the vertical movement of apex.