Orthodontics · patient case question
The apex of the root of #8 was short and blunted. This was due to:
Patient case: Fracture of #8 planned for extraction
Scenario: A patient with a FRACTURE of #8; extraction is planned.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Orthodontic treatment (external apical root resorption)
- A. Dens invaginatus is an infolding of enamel and dentin into the crown and root before mineralisation, giving a 'tooth within a tooth' appearance.
- B. Hypercementosis is excessive cementum deposition producing a BULBOUS, ENLARGED root — the opposite of shortening.
- C. Internal resorption originates within the pulp and appears as a balloon-like widening of the canal with a smooth outline — not as a shortened apex.
- D. Correct. EXTERNAL APICAL ROOT RESORPTION is a well-recognised sequela of orthodontic treatment, producing shortened, blunted roots. The MAXILLARY INCISORS are the most commonly affected teeth. Risk rises with prolonged treatment duration, heavy continuous forces, intrusive and torquing movements, and pre-existing blunted or pipette-shaped root form.
Note: This links directly to the Day 1 item about a cervical fracture in a patient with short roots after five years of orthodontics. When you see BLUNTED APICES plus an ortho history, the answer is orthodontic root resorption.