[Apical resorption in pre-surgical orthodontics]

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Research
• Periodontology

Context:

• Apical root resorption is common in adult orthodontic patients.
• Re-treatment and complex tooth movements increase resorption risk.
• Adult dentition presents unique challenges in orthodontic therapy.

Purpose:

• To investigate the clinical implications of apical root resorption in adult orthodontic patients undergoing complex treatments.
• To assess the relationship between apical root resorption and tooth mobility.
• To evaluate the long-term occlusal stability following orthodontic treatment with significant apical root resorption.

Summary:

• Apical root resorption was frequently observed in adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, particularly those with prior ineffective treatments or requiring complex tooth movements.
• Despite the noted resorption, no significant increase in tooth hyper-mobility was recorded during the study.
• Long-term evaluation confirmed that the observed apical root resorption did not adversely affect occlusal stability.

Impact:

• Findings suggest that apical root resorption, while frequent in specific adult orthodontic cases, may not compromise treatment outcomes regarding tooth mobility and occlusal stability.
• This research provides valuable insights for clinicians managing adult orthodontic patients with a history of complex treatments.
• Highlights the importance of long-term follow-up to assess the functional consequences of root resorption.