Frequency and risk factors of root resorption in endodontic practice

The frequency of root resorption and correlated factors in patients were seen at the Endodontics Clinic of the Universidade Federal da Bahia. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic features of endodontic root resorption, considering that it is important to further our knowledge about root resorption frequency and pathogenesis. Material and methods: A cross[1]sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 120 teeth indicated for endodontic treatment. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was accomplished to detect the presence and type of root resorption, etiology, presence of caries, dental trauma, and periapical lesion. Gender and affected teeth were also collected. The data were analyzed by the χ2 test, Fisher’s exact test, and multiple logistic regression (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 53 teeth presented with root resorption. Female and the maxillary incisors were the most affected. Inflammatory root resorption was the most prevalent resorption type (p = 0.0013), and the apical third was the most affected portion (p = 0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant occurrence of external inflammatory root resorption in the apical third of the root. A large follow-up of these patients is necessary for preventing undesirable tooth loss.