Root Resorption and Abnormalities in Cleft Lip and Palate: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of inherent short dental roots and root resorption in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP), including comparisons between cleft side and non-cleft side dentition and controls.DesignSystematic review of studies.SettingTertiary cleft and craniofacial center within an academic institution.Patients/ParticipantsA total of 878 patients with CLP across 11 studies, with a mean age of 13.0 ± 3.3 years.InterventionsSystematic review of studies identified from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines.Main Outcome Measure(s)The prevalence of dental root resorption, clinically significant resorption (defined as Malmgren score >2 or root resorption >2 mm), and differences in dental root length and root-to-crown ratio (RCR) between cleft and non-cleft dentition.ResultsRoot resorption of any degree was observed in 18.4% of patients with CLP, with 13.8% demonstrating clinically significant resorption. In comparison, non-cleft sides showed a prevalence of 4.7%. Cleft side teeth were shorter by a mean of 1.83 ± 0.43 mm prior to secondary alveolar bone grafting and 2.80 ± 1.24 mm following grafting. The mean RCR was reduced on the cleft side (1.06 ± 0.11) compared to non-cleft sides and controls (1.20 ± 0.15).ConclusionsPatients with CLP demonstrate reduced dental root length and increased susceptibility to clinically significant root resorption, particularly in cleft-adjacent teeth. These findings highlight differences in dental root morphology and prevalence of root resorption in cleft-adjacent dentition.