Association of Computed Tomography Values of the Tooth Root and Alveolar Bone with Orthodontic Root Resorption

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CT values of the tooth root and bone on root resorption using data obtained before and after orthodontic treatment. Forty-one patients with jaw deformities were divided into those with and without root resorption （n = 18 and 23, respectively）. The distance from the anatomical root apex to the edge of the incisive canal was measured using axial CT sections before active treatment. The distance from the anatomical root apex to the labial and palatal cortical bone and the CT values of the root and alveolar bone were measured and compared using sagittal CT sections. The tooth axis and vertical and lateral movements of the maxillary right central incisor were examined using lateral cephalograms before and after treatment. Root resorption group showed significantly higher CT values of alveolar bone than the control group and different axial movement of the root apex and distance between the labial cortical bone and root apex on lateral cephalograms. The risk of root resorption increased with an increase in the CT values of the alveolar bone surrounding the maxillary central incisor. The horizontal movement of the root apex was associated with the distance between the labial cortical bone and root apex, and root resorption during maxillary central incisor movement.