Radiographic Evaluation of the Prevalence of External Root Resorption in Patients With Periodontitis in Indore: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective Permanent teeth roots undergo resorption under pathologic conditions such as trauma, orthodontic treatment, pulpal infections, periodontitis, and periodontal therapy. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of external root resorption (ERR) in patients with periodontitis as seen in orthopantomography (OPGs). Methodology This single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional radiographic study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2022, including 656 orthopantomographs (OPGs) from patients with periodontitis. OPGs were evaluated based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. ERR was assessed across mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis cases (Stage I/II/III/IV according to the 2017 American Academy of Periodontology) in both localized and generalized periodontitis and in cases of horizontal and vertical bone loss/defects. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Descriptive statistics were calculated and presented as numbers, percentages, and mean ± standard deviation. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results The study analyzed 656 subjects, with 226 (34.5%) showing external root resorption (ERR). ERR prevalence was higher among males (122, 38.6%) compared to females (104, 30.6%) (p = 0.031). ERR was more common in subjects with vertical bone loss (105, 49.1%) than those without (121, 27.4%) (p < 0.001) and in those with horizontal bone defects (55, 45.8%) compared to those without (171, 31.9%) (p = 0.004). By periodontitis severity, ERR occurred in Stage I (61, 21.2%), Stage II (108, 37.4%), and Stage III/IV (57, 72.2%) (p = 0.001). Localized periodontitis showed higher ERR prevalence (40, 44.0%) than generalized periodontitis (186, 32.9%) (p = 0.040). Age was not significantly associated with ERR (p = 0.423). Conclusion ERR was significantly associated with the severity of periodontitis, localized and generalized periodontitis, and horizontal and vertical bone defects. Prompt diagnosis and treatment planning are essential for preserving teeth affected by ERR, thereby supporting masticatory function, aesthetics, self-esteem, and the overall oral health-related quality of life for patients.