Objective: To evaluate radiographically the prevalence of various types of root resorption in different tooth groups in a Middle Eastern population.
Method and materials: Full-mouth radiographs of 712 patients (19,072 teeth) were evaluated for the presence of root resorption. Two observers evaluated each tooth from at least 2 radiographic projections on periapical films.
Results: Teeth exhibiting root resorption were found in 205 radiographs (28.8%). The most common form of resorption was pulpal infection (71.2%), mainly in mandibular molars ( P< .01) and in patients 45 years and older ( P< .005). Orthodontic pressure resorption was detected in 14.6% of root resorption cases, mainly in maxillary incisors ( P< .01). Impacted tooth or tumor pressure resorption was observed in 10.2% of all cases of resorption, mainly in mandibular molars ( P< .01), and periodontal infection resorption was identified in 3.9% of all resorption cases in all tooth groups ( P > .05). Ankylotic resorption was not found in this survey.
Conclusion: The most common types of root resorption in the general population were pulpal infection-related root resorption, orthodontic pressure root resorption, and impacted tooth pressure resorption. It is probable that most are unrelated to traumatic injuries of the teeth.