ROOT RESORPTION 4 MONTHS AFTER INITIATION OF FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE THERAPY

Abstract

Root resorption is an idiopathic and unpredictable adverse effect of orthodontic treatment, manifesting as apical root shortening or surface resorption, mostly not affecting functional efficiency. However extensive root resorption may compromise the otherwise successful orthodontic treatment outcome. The purpose of the study was to determine amount of apical root resorption of maxillary incisors four months after initiation of fixed orthodontic appliance therapy with the help of periapical radiographs. 60 patients (14 males and 46 females) with age ranging from 10-40 years were included. A proforma indicating bio data, group (experimental or control), root length at T1 (pre-treatment), root length at T2 (after 4 months) and their difference was filled for each patient. Results were considered statistically significant at p value of 0.05 . A total of 240 maxillary incisors were assessed and all of them showed some decrease in root length but was found to be statistically insignificant. Thus it is concluded that periapical root resorption cannot be detected 4 months after initiation of fixed orthodontic treatment by conventional periapical radiographs alone, however contemporary diagnostic tools may be of help in early detection.