This case involves a 14-year-old male from Minnesota who had orthodontic treatment for two and a half years. For the first year of the patient’s treatment, everything appeared normal with his progress. After the first year, however, the patient began exhibiting signs of root resorption. The patient sought a second opinion from another orthodontist. X-rays were taken and the new orthodontist confirmed that the roots of 9 teeth had been irreparably damaged. The new orthodontist also forecasted that the patient would lose some or all of the affected teeth within the next 5-10 years. It was alleged that the first orthodontist tightened the patient’s braces too quickly over a short period of time, causing root resorption.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. How often do you perform orthodontic manipulations like the one described in this case?
2. Under what circumstances could tightening braces cause root resorption?
3. How would you determine the likelihood that a patient would lose their teeth?
Expert Witness Response E-018938
I perform orthodontic manipulations routinely at both my university and hospital practice. Resorption is by far the most common reason why orthodontists get sued. Root resorption can occur at any time during orthodontic therapy, especially when excessive forces might be applied during manipulations. The likelihood that a patient would lose their teeth could be determined by examining the amount of root length left after the resorption occurs and the general dental health of the supporting bone around those teeth.
About the author
Wendy Ketner, M.D.
Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.
Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.
Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.
