PREVALENCE OF ROOT RESORPTION IN ORTHODONTIC PATIENTS WITH PRE-EXISTING PERIAPICAL OR ODONTOGENIC PATHOLOGIES

Background: One of the most typical complications of orthodontics is root resorption that is often underestimated. This risk can be increased when preexisting mouth diseases occur like a periapical lesion or odontogenic cyst. To identify the incidence of root resorption in the patient with orthodontic treatment and associate root resorption with pre-existing periapical or odontogenic lesions. Methods: This prospective research study involved 71 patients who received a fixed orthodontic treatment in the Frontier Medical and Dental College, Abbottabad, between June 2023 and December 2023. Radiographic records were evaluated to identify the presence of any root resorption and the presence of pre-existing periapical or odontogenic pathologies. The severity of root resorption was graded and the statistical analysis was carried out by performing a chi-square test with a p-value being less than 0.05 taken to be significant. Results: Root resorption was identified in 45.1% of patients. A significant association was observed between root resorption and both pre-existing periapical pathology (p = 0.004) and odontogenic lesions (p = 0.028). Maxillary incisors were the most frequently affected teeth. Treatment duration beyond 24 months also showed a strong correlation with increased resorption (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Pre-existing periapical and odontogenic pathologies are significant risk factors for root resorption in orthodontic patients. Careful radiographic evaluation and individualized treatment planning are essential for minimizing complications in such cases.