Clinical management of external root resorption by orthodontists.

Abstract

Introduction: The movements of orthodontics, a specialty of dentistry, involve a greater or lesser degree of resorption of the cement of the teeth. Objective: To know the clinical management of external root resorption (ERR) before and during orthodontic treatment. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out; a digital questionnaire was sent to orthodontists and orthodontic students in the month of February 2023. A total of 54 participants were included, of which 55.60% are orthodontists, with an average of ±2.6 years of orthodontic practice. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: It was observed that the diagnostic method used for the evaluation of RRE before the start of orthodontic treatment is orthopantomography in 79.60% and periapical radiography in 50% during orthodontic treatment. 46.30% of those surveyed responded that the “shape and position of the root is a factor for which they would take additional precautions” due to a greater risk of RRE. 50.00% of participants responded that the “magnitude of force and direction is a factor that would lead to further clinical analysis” to determine if RRE is occurring during orthodontic treatment. 46.30% responded that “they would adapt the mechanics of light forces during treatment” in the event of an RRE. Conclusion: Two-dimensional diagnostic methods are the most used for the detection of RRE.