Evaluating the Role of Social Media as a Supplementary Resource for Scientific Literature in the Management of Root Resorption

Background: This study compared the quality and accuracy of information about root resorption available on Instagram (IG) to scientific databases (DB). A secondary purpose was to determine if IG could be a valid aid to scientific literature to help providing data for uncommon clinical situations. Methods: After PROSPERO protocol registration, a systematic search in DB and IG was conducted with the keywords external root resorption OR internal root resorption case reports. The content of posts from each platform was analyzed for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to evidence based guidelines. Two independent raters assessed the quality of the information. Results: The analysis revealed a statistically significant lack of a one year follow-up data in Instagram cases compared to scientific database cases (p<0.001).Despite the different sources (IG and DB), the selected cases showed remarkable similarity in terms of general information and treatment protocols, except for arch and obturation variables. These findings support the appropriateness of the selection criteria Conclusions: This study highlights the need for dental professionals to critically evaluate the information they encounter on social media platforms. Information obtained from IG could provide valuable insights for understudied conditions such as root resorption, but social media cannot be considered a valid source to supplement scientific literature under the current regulations.