Related Experiment Videos
A heritable component for external apical root resorption in patients treated orthodontically
E F Harris1, S E Kineret, E A Tolley
1Department of Orthodontics, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163, USA.
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence external apical root resorption (EARR) in orthodontic patients. This study found a strong hereditary component, suggesting a need to identify specific biochemical factors contributing to EARR susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Genetics
- Dental Research
Background:
- External apical root resorption (EARR) is a common complication in orthodontic treatment.
- The underlying factors influencing EARR susceptibility are not fully understood, with a potential genetic component.
- Understanding EARR is crucial for optimizing orthodontic treatment outcomes and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of familial (genetic) factors in susceptibility to external apical root resorption (EARR).
- To quantify the heritability of EARR in orthodontic patients.
Main Methods:
- Studied 103 full sibling pairs undergoing the same orthodontic treatment.
- Measured crown and root lengths from cephalograms and panoral films before and after treatment.
- Utilized generalized linear models to analyze variances and control for covariates like sex, age, and malocclusion severity.
Main Results:
- Significantly greater variance in EARR was found among sibling pairs than within pairs, indicating a strong genetic influence.
- Heritability estimates for EARR averaged 70% for three specific roots.
- No significant differences in susceptibility were observed based on sex or age.
Conclusions:
- A substantial genetic factor contributes to susceptibility to external apical root resorption (EARR).
- Heritability estimates suggest a strong genetic predisposition for EARR.
- Further research into the biochemical factors underlying these familial differences is warranted.