Does an impacted tooth cause root resorption of the adjacent one?

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• External root resorption is a known complication associated with dental anomalies.
• Impacted teeth, particularly third molars, are frequently implicated in adjacent tooth damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and characteristics of external root resorption caused by adjacent impacted teeth.
• To assess the impact on the periodontium and its potential for recovery.

Main Methods:

• Radiographic analysis of 199 cases involving adjacent impacted teeth.
• Documentation of root resorption and periodontium status.
• Follow-up assessment of periodontium healing post-extraction in a subset of patients.

Main Results:

• External root resorption was observed in 7.5% of cases (15 out of 199).
• The cervical root region was least affected by resorption.
• The highest incidence of resorption occurred in patients aged 21–30 years, predominantly males.
• Periodontium resorption alone was noted in 16 additional patients.
• Complete re-establishment of the damaged periodontium occurred within 1 year after impacted tooth extraction in observed cases.

Conclusions:

• Adjacent impacted teeth are a significant etiological factor for external root resorption.
• While root resorption can occur, the periodontium demonstrates a notable capacity for regeneration after intervention.
• Early identification and management of impacted teeth may prevent or mitigate resorption complications.