Correlation of root resorption and infraocclusion in mandibular deciduous second molars without succedaneous permanent teeth.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of root resorption, the prevalence of infraocclusion, and the correlation between these variables in orthodontic patients with mandibular deciduous second molars without succedaneous permanent teeth from childhood to 30 years of age. Methods One hundred fifty-eight patients were stratified into four groups, by age: group 1, patients ranging from 5 to <10 years of age; group 2, from 10 to <15; group 3, from 15 to <20; and group 4, from 20 to 30 years. Panoramic radiographs and dental casts were examined to verify the presence of infraocclusion and to classify the extent of root resorption using scores from 1 (no resorption) to 5 (absent tooth). Results Group 1 (age 5–<10 years) had a significantly lesser extent of root resorption than did the other groups, but the intergroup difference in the prevalence of infraocclusion was not significant. In the overall cohort, 25% of the teeth had infraocclusion, with a positive significant correlation between root resorption and infraocclusion. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that root resorption tends to increase from the first to the second decade of life and to remain stable until the third decade. Furthermore, one-fourth of these patients with second premolar agenesis showed infraocclusion of deciduous molars, and the amount of root resorption was positively correlated with infraocclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]