External root resorption in orthodontics: avoiding high risk teeth. A case report

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Traumatology

Background:

• External root resorption (ERR) is a poorly understood complication of orthodontic treatment.
• Factors influencing the extent and distribution of ERR in permanent teeth remain unclear.
• Predicting which patients will experience ERR during orthodontics is challenging.

Observation:

• A case study details the challenges of treating a patient with a history of trauma to the upper right central incisor.
• This trauma had previously led to external root resorption.
• The patient's history presented a dilemma for subsequent orthodontic intervention.

Findings:

• A comprehensive literature review identified pre-treatment radiographic evidence of root resorption as the most significant diagnostic aid.
• This finding suggests that prior root damage increases susceptibility to further resorption during orthodontic therapy.
• The case highlights the clinical relevance of this predictive factor.

Implications:

• Clinicians should carefully evaluate pre-treatment radiographs for any signs of root resorption.
• Patients with pre-existing root resorption may require modified orthodontic treatment plans.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying ERR and refine predictive models.