Exploring the third dimension in root resorption

OBJECTIVE: To review and investigate the validity of various 2D quantitative measurement techniques, and to explore the third dimension of root resorption. DESIGN: A review of the literature involving various quantitative evaluation of root resorption. RESULTS: Quantitative evaluation of resorption using radiographs has proven to be highly inaccurate because of magnification errors and their inability to be readily repeated and reproduced. Studies using histology sections of samples have proven to be laborious and technique sensitive. Inherent parallax errors and loss of material in data transfer have denied the true understanding of this 3D event. CONCLUSION: With the evolution in computing technology and digital imaging, the vision of evaluating the extent of root resorption in 3D has materialized. It was demonstrated that 3D volumetric quantitative evaluation of root resorption craters was feasible and its accuracy and repeatability was high.