Co-Relation between root resorption patterns of deciduous mandibular molars and position of erupting permanent successors: A radiographic evaluation

Purpose: The study was designed to investigate the relationship between root resorption patterns of deciduous mandibular molars and position of erupting permanent successors by a Radiographic Evaluation. Methods: A total of 250 radiographs of primary mandibular molars (126 first molars and 124 second molars) of 5to 12-year-old patients were evaluated. The root resorption pattern and the premolar location were observed. Results: Half of the teeth were primary first molars. In the primary first and second molar a majority of 80.2% of the root resorption occurred in the distal root and 55.6% of the root resorption was symmetrical respectively. Distal location of the premolar was the most commonly observed followed by central location of the premolar in primary first and second primary molar respectively. Conclusion: The position of premolar and presence of caries influences the root resorption pattern of the primary mandibular molars. The distal location of premolar was most commonly observed in primary 1st molar. Distal caries in a tooth when coupled with distally located premolar showed 99% distal root resorption