Rapidly progressive internal root resorption: a case report

• Published in: Dental traumatology 2008-10, Vol.24 (5), p.546-549
• Main Authors: Keinan, David, Heling, Ilana, Stabholtz, Adam, Moshonov, Joshua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Dental Pulp Test; Dentistry; Female; Humans; Incisor - injuries; Mandible; Mandibular Fractures - complications; Periodontal Splints; Root Canal Therapy; Root Resorption - etiology; Root Resorption - pathology; Root Resorption - therapy; Tooth Avulsion - complications
• ISSN: 1600-4469; 1600-9657
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-9657.2007.00544.x

–  The etiology of internal root resorption is not fully understandable, trauma and chronic pulpitis are considered the main risk factors. Usually the process is asymptomatic and diagnosed upon routine radiographic examination. This case report presents a rapid progression of internal resorption related directly to traumatic injury. A 16‐year‐old female arrived at the emergency room after a mild extrusion of the mandibular incisors. The initial treatment included repositioning and splinting of the teeth. Radiographs performed at repositioning and splinting demonstrated normal configuration of the incisor’s roots. Ten months later progressive internal resorption of the left mandibular first incisor was diagnosed. While treating this tooth similar process was detected in the right mandibular second incisor and in the mandibular left second incisor. The lower right first incisor reacted inconsistently to vitality test. As a result of the severe and rapidly progressive nature of the process, root canal treatments were performed in all lower incisors. The follow‐up radiographs demonstrate arrest of the internal resorption process.