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The flaws in tooth root resorption assessment algorithms: the role of source position

Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN, USA

*Correspondence to: TR Katona, Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Room DS250, 1121 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Email: tkatona{at}iupui.edu

Received 16 August 2006; accepted 23 October 2006

Objectives: The purpose of this project was to analyse the effects of X-ray source location on mathematical compensations used in the clinical assessment of external apical root resorption (EARR).

Methods: Using geometric constructions, governing equations were derived to express the relationships between actual tooth, root and crown lengths, and their image sizes on "before" and "after" radiographs.

Results: Good agreement was found between calculated and published experimental results. More importantly, errors associated with the assessment methods are demonstrated.

Conclusion: It is established that root resorption assessment algorithms cannot reliably compensate for the inherent distortions in radiographic evaluations of EARR, even in the best-case scenario of an idealized, precisely characterized, linear tooth.

Keywords: root resorption; radiography