Root Resorption

Reference-Evaluation of the risk of root resorption during orthodontic treatment. Eur J Orthod 10 (1): 30-38. Author: Eva Levander

Undiscovered root resorption is one of the main reasons for orthodontic litigation, so it is important that doctors performing ortho are aware of how to handle root resorption.

Informed consent- tell patients that there is a chance that treatment will have to be stopped early if the roots become damaged.

Panorex on all orthodontic patients 6 months into treatment
-Especially check upper front teeth
If all roots look normal, take follow up xray in about 1 year

Panorex 3 months into treatment on patients whose roots look fragile
-Fragile looking roots mean short, blunt, pipette shaped roots
Follow up xray in 6 months for fragile looking roots

If you discover root resorption, first stop active treatment for 3 months. Don’t take the braces off, but leave in a passive round wire with no forces (no rubber bands, chain, etc). Be especially concerned about forces on the upper cuspids, because forces on the cuspids can be easily transferred to the laterals, which seem to be the teeth most susceptible to resorption. After 3 months, get a p-a x-ray of teeth in question. If resorption has stopped (usually the case), continue treatment. If resorption has continued, remove the braces.