Idiopathic Radiographic Apical Root Resorption in Wind Instrument Players

Root resorption of the permanent teeth involves an elaborate interaction among inflammatory cells resulting in loss of dental hard tissues. This report describes three clinical cases where idiopathic root resorption occurred in wind instrument playing patients. These patients produce adequate non-orthodontic forces, while playing their instruments, to expose their teeth to root resorbing force. Careful clinical monitoring of patients' teeth should be undertaken, as the additive effects of orthodontic treatment and musical habits are unknown. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper advises that questioning about wind instrument playing during case history-taking would be beneficial to clinicians. Furthermore, careful clinical monitoring of these patients' teeth during orthodontic treatment should be undertaken.