Accuracy of panoramic and periapical radiographs to assess root resorption after incisors intrusion: A comparative study

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of root resorption measurement on panoramic and periapical films after intrusion of maxillary incisors using either microimplant anchorage system or archwire of accentuated compensating curve. Patients and methods: 40 patients with age ranging from 18 to 24 years old, were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each. Each group was divided into 2 equal subgroups of 10 each: Subgroup A: comprised panoramic radiographic findings. Subgroup B: comprised periapical radiographic findings. Maxillary incisors were intruded using mini-implants in group I, and accentuated compensating curve arch wire in group II. Root resorption was examined with panoramic radiographs (subgroup A) and priapical radiographs (subgroup B) taken at pretreatment and postintrusion. Results: considering panoramic radiograph, root resorption of the upper incisors using the modified four grade ordinal scale showed that group I had 75% of the teeth classified with score 0, and root resorption score 1 in 25%. Group II had 60% of teeth with score 0 and 32.5% with scores of 1 and just 7.5% with score 2. The difference between both groups was significant (P< 0.05). Regarding periapical radiograph the mean amount of root resorption was significantly high in group II compared to group I. Flaring of incisors in group II is more significant than in group I. Conclusion: During taking panoramic radiograph, patient positioning must be checked to decrease error. Periapical film is preferred in cases when root resorption is expected with significant degrees.