Which radiographic finding is a sign of external root resorption during orthodontic treatment?

Which radiographic finding is a sign of external root resorption during orthodontic treatment?

• A. Radiographic shortening of the root
• B. Normal root length
• C. Increased root length
• D. Tooth crown fracture

Answer: (A)

External root resorption shows up on radiographs as a shortening of the root, reflecting loss of cementum and dentin from the external surface of the root under orthodontic forces. This makes the root appear shorter than expected for the tooth’s stage of eruption and treatment. Normal root length indicates no resorption, while an increased root length isn’t a feature of resorption. A crown fracture involves the crown, not the root, and would present as a fracture line in the crown area. So, radiographic shortening of the root is the sign of external root resorption during orthodontic treatment.

External root resorption shows up on radiographs as a shortening of the root, reflecting loss of cementum and dentin from the external surface of the root under orthodontic forces. This makes the root appear shorter than expected for the tooth’s stage of eruption and treatment. Normal root length indicates no resorption, while an increased root length isn’t a feature of resorption. A crown fracture involves the crown, not the root, and would present as a fracture line in the crown area. So, radiographic shortening of the root is the sign of external root resorption during orthodontic treatment.