Abstract:

Objective To investigate the radiographic features of tooth resorption in supernumerary teeth (ST) and impacted teeth (IT) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods CBCT data from 7 655 patients collected between January 2018 and December 2023 were reviewed. A total of 155 ST and 31 IT exhibiting resorption were identified. Two evaluators analyzed and classified the teeth based on pulp chamber morphology, site of resorption, degree of tooth structure destruction, and anatomical position according to a novel classification system. The correlation between gender and the prevalence rate was examined. Results The prevalence of ST resorption was 3.66%, which was significantly higher in females (4.83%) than in males (3.17%)(χ²=5.27,P=0.022<0.05). The predominant characteristics of the lesions were coronal dentin resorption, pulp cavity expansion, and enamel defects (54.8%). The prevalence of IT resorption was 0.59%, with no significant difference between females (0.79%) and males (0.35%)(χ²=3.56, P=0.059). The main radiographic characteristics of resorption included resorption of coronal and radicular dentin, enlargement of the pulp chamber, and enamel defects(32.3%). Conclusion The prevalence of tooth resorption is low in ST and IT. The prevalence of resorption in ST shows a gender difference. However, the pattern and direction of resorption in ST and IT show no gender differences. The novel categorization method predicated on CBCT imaging features may serve as a clinical foundation for diagnosing the resorption of ST and IT.

Key words: CBCT, impacted teeth, tooth resorption, supernumerary teeth