title: Comparison of Australian and American orthodontic clinical approaches towards root resorption.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  As part of The Rocky Mountain Travelling Fellowship, a pilot survey was conducted to assess current diagnostic and clinical approaches to the management of orthodontic patients in relation to root resorption.
  
  
  METHODS
  Groups comprising Australians (Sydney, New South Wales) and North Americans (Los Angeles, California), in two stages of their orthodontic careers (post-graduate orthodontic students from the University of Sydney and University of Southern California and qualified practising orthodontists) were asked to complete a questionnaire. The questions examined diagnosis and management approaches related to root resorption used in their clinical practice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Replies demonstrated that there were differences in management depending on operator experience and the country of clinical practice. However, a summarised common approach to orthodontic root resorption comprised (1) the use of an orthopantomogram as a screening diagnostic tool, followed by periapical radiographs for those perceived as 'higher risk' patients, particularly individuals with a history of root resorption; (2) a six monthly radiographic review during treatment; (3) the use of light forces and/or rest periods (discontinuous forces) every two to three months; (4) the extraction of deciduous teeth if permanent successors were erupting ectopically and causing damage to adjacent root structures; and (5) the use of fixed retention after treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This project was intended to initiate discussion and form a basis for further investigation into the clinical management of orthodontic root resorption.
authors.affiliation: University of Southern California, California, USA. elim@yolandim.com.au
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sameshima
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Petocz
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darendeliler
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology; D004499:Education, Dental, Graduate; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D009517:New South Wales; D018704:Orthodontic Retainers; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000193:education; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016300:Radiography, Bitewing; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014079:Tooth Eruption, Ectopic / Q000517:prevention & control; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000601:surgery