Peg-shaped and small lateral incisors not at higher risk for root resorption

The purpose of this study was to examine the pattern of external root resorption for peg-shaped and small lateral incisors according to various conditions and to compare it with that of normal-shaped lateral incisors. The periapical radiographs of 114 patients with 60 peg-shaped and 54 small lateral incisors were measured before and after treatment. Crown shape was assessed by examining pretreatment study casts. Findings showed that there was no significant difference in external root resorption between peg-shaped (1.09 mm) and normal lateral incisors (0.88 mm). However, a statistically significant difference in apical root resorption between small lateral incisors (1.03 mm) and normal lateral incisors (1.62 mm) was found. Peg-shaped laterals were also coincidentally found to occur more frequently on the left side of the arch.