Root Resorption Patterns of Primary Mandibular Molars and Location of Premolar Successors Through Radiographs in Pakistani Population

Abstract

Background: Primary teeth undergo physiological root resorption followed by eruption of their permanent successors. Roots of primary mandibular molars can have either symmetrical or asymmetrical resorption patterns. This study aimed to determine the frequency of root resorption patterns of primary mandibular molars and the position of premolar successors through radiographs in children.

Methods: A total sample of 240 primary mandibular teeth from 140 patients (5-12 years) who visited the Paediatric Dentistry Department of Fatima Jinnah dental college were reviewed using radiographs. The root resorption patterns of primary mandibular molars and the location of the premolar successors were determined. Effect modifiers were controlled through stratification concerning age, gender, right or left side and presence of caries. Post-stratification chi-square analysis was used and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: In primary first molars, 51(71%) root resorption was seen in the distal roots and 19(26%) of root resorption was symmetrical. In primary second molars, 81(48%) of root resorption was in the distal roots and 62(37%) was symmetrical. The distal location of the premolar was most common at 85(51%). Further, [31(89%) and 54(64%)] distal root resorption occurred when the first and second premolars were located distal to the long axis of the first and second molars respectively. The association between premolar location and root resorption pattern of the primary mandibular molars was highly significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion: A high number of asymmetrical root resorption of primary mandibular molars exists especially in distal roots 51 (71%) in Pakistani population. The mesial location of the premolar was least common.

Keywords: Root Resorption; Radiography; Bicuspid; Deciduous Tooth.