Evaluation of External Root Resorption of Endodontically Treated and Vital Teeth during Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: External root resorption is a common side effect of orthodontic treatment. Although endodontically treated teeth respond similarly to vital teeth to the application of force during orthodontic therapy, studies show conflicting results. Researcher’s present different results that endodontically treated teeth are less affected, equally affected, or more affected than vital teeth. It is important for clinicians to know whether teeth treated with endodontics exhibit more, less or the same amount of root resorption in order to ensure a successful orthodontic treatment without complications. Methods: This systematic review evaluated root resorption of endodontically treated and vital teeth as an outcome for patients who underwent orthodontic treatment. Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Wiley, Clinical Key, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Cochrane) were searched. Study selection criteria included randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled clinical trials, prospective or retrospective controlled clinical trials (CCTs). Two authors independently reviewed evaluated and extracted data from the selected studies. Analysis of literature was performed using the PRISMA analysis protocol. Results: 10 out of 1,814 original papers met the inclusion criteria. A total of 351 patients were included in these studies. More than half of the studies present that there are no significant differences between the amount of root resorption between endodontically treated and vital teeth. Other studies evidence suggests that endodontically treated teeth are more resistant to external root resorption compared to their vital contralateral teeth. Conclusions: Orthodontic treatment does not increase root resorption for endodontically treated teeth, the amount of resorption is the same as vital teeth or smaller.