Resorption of the Roots of Neighbouring Teeth

One of the essential characteristics of the primary dentition is that the roots of deciduous teeth physiologically resorb in relation to the development, the eruptive progress and the proximity to their permanent successors. In contrast, resorption of the roots of permanent teeth does not normally occur at all, even when there are unerupted or crowded teeth in the close vicinity of their roots. Extracting the ‘victim’ tooth, that is, the incisor tooth that has suffered resorption due to the eruptive behaviour of the canine, may appear unjust, but it must be considered as the pragmatic choice on the assumption that it has a poor prognosis. The aetiology of resorption of the root of a tooth adjacent to an impacted tooth is closely associated with the proximity of the latter and its potential for eruptive movement.