Which teeth are most frequently affected by root resorption?

Root resorption is a process in which the body begins to break down and absorb the root structure of a tooth. This phenomenon is most commonly seen in the maxillary incisors for several reasons.

Firstly, maxillary incisors are often subjected to trauma or orthodontic forces, which can trigger resorptive processes. Their anterior location makes them more vulnerable to injury during sports, accidents, or even during dental procedures. Additionally, the anatomical structure of these teeth, with their single roots, allows for easier access for resorptive factors to affect them compared to teeth with more complex root systems.

Moreover, maxillary incisors often have a higher incidence of accompanying factors such as periodontal disease, which can contribute to root resorption. In orthodontics, there is also documented evidence that maxillary incisors frequently undergo resorption due to the application of tooth movement forces, as they are aligned and adjusted more frequently than other types of teeth.

In contrast, while other tooth types can experience root resorption, they tend to do so less frequently than maxillary incisors. Mandibular molars and premolars, for instance, have larger and multiple roots that offer more structural integrity against resorptive changes. Likewise, maxillary premolars may