Objective: To evaluate radiographically the prevalence of various types of root resorption in different tooth groups in a Middle Eastern population. Method and Materials: Full-mouth radiographs of 712 patients (19,072 teeth) were evaluated for the presence of root resorption. Two observers evaluated each tooth from at least 2 radiographic projections on periapical films. Results: Teeth exhibiting root resorption were found in 205 radiographs (28.8%). The most common form of resorption was pulpal infection (71.2%), mainly in mandibular molars (P < .01) and in patients 45 years and older (P < .005). Orthodontic pressure resorption was detected in 14.6% of root resorption cases, mainly in maxillary incisors (P < .01). Impacted tooth or tumor pressure resorption was observed in 10.2% of all cases of resorption, mainly in mandibular molars (P < .01), and periodontal infection resorption was identified in 3.9% of all resorption cases in all tooth groups (P > .05). Ankylotic resorption was not found in this survey. Conclusion: The most common types of root resorption in the general population were pulpal infection–related root resorption, orthodontic pressure root resorption, and impacted tooth pressure resorption. It is probable that most are unrelated to traumatic injuries of the teeth. (Quintessence Int 2007;38:177.e40–44)

Key words: radiographic survey, root resorption