Incisor root resorptions due to ectopic maxillary canines imaged by computerized tomography: a comparative study in extracted teeth.

The purpose of the study was to analyze the ability of computerized tomography (CT) scanning to discriminate maxillary incisor root resorptions caused by ectopically erupting canines. Seventeen maxillary incisors were radiographed in vivo by CT scanning. Contiguous transverse CT scans with a slice thickness of 2 mm were exposed perpendicular to the long axis of the lateral incisors and through the crown of the adjacent, ectopically positioned maxillary canine. Each scan was analyzed and the resorptions on the roots of the laterals were graded according to the maximum depth of the cavity. After the lateral incisors were extracted they were clinically inspected, photographed in different light settings and views, and probed at the contact area between the laterals and the canines. The assessment of the extent of resorption in 4 stages on the CT images compared with the in vitro observations of the extracted roots showed a high degree of agreement for the extent of loss of root substance for all teeth. We conclude that CT scanning performed with good technique accurately reveals tooth root resorption. The presence and influence of the inherent artifacts of tooth root resorption on CT scans are discussed.