Diagnostic methods to identify orthodontic-induced inflammatory external apical root resorption - Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22370/asd.2026.7..5112Keywords:
External apical root resorption , Orthodontic treatment , Diagnosis , Biomarkers , Diagnostic imagingAbstract
Abstract: Orthodontic-induced inflammatory external apical root resorption (OIIEARR) involves inflammation of the periodontal ligament, impaired local blood circulation and damage to the root cementum, which exposes the dentin and allows its resorption by osteoclasts. Its etiology is complex and is usually diagnosed by radiographs. Objective: To synthesize evidence to identify the optimal method for the evaluation of OIIEARR. Methodology: A search was carried out following PRISMA-ScR in databases such as PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, MDPI and Google Scholar. Studies from 2020 in Spanish, English and Portuguese were included, excluding previous articles, in animals, case reports and without open access. Results: OIIEARR is an unpredictable complication, whose diagnosis is mainly based on periapical and panoramic radiographs and, above all, on CBCT tomography. Alternative methods such as biomarkers in saliva and gingival fluid, as well as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for more accurate and less invasive detection are being investigated. Conclusion: CBCT remains the most reliable diagnostic method. However, AI represents an emerging tool with great potential, and biomarkers could soon become a complementary option for early diagnosis.
Key words: External apical root resorption, orthodontic treatment, diagnosis, biomarkers, imaging.
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