Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Studying Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Mice
Published on: August 2, 2024
Apical External Root Resorption and Repair in Orthodontic Tooth Movement: Biological Events
Liviu Feller1, Razia A G Khammissa1, George Thomadakis2
1Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0204, South Africa.
Abstract:
Some degree of external root resorption is a frequent, unpredictable, and unavoidable consequence of orthodontic tooth movement mediated by odontoclasts/cementoclasts originating from circulating precursor cells in the periodontal ligament. Its pathogenesis involves mechanical forces initiating complex interactions between signalling pathways activated by various biological agents. Resorption of cementum is regulated by mechanisms similar to those controlling osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Following root resorption there is repair by cellular cementum, but factors mediating the transition from resorption to repair are not clear. In this paper we review some of the biological events associated with orthodontically induced external root resorption.
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