External radicular resorption: selected cases and review of the literature

J Med Life. 2012 Jun 12;5(2):145-8. Epub 2012 Jun 18.

Abstract

External radicular resorption is a pathological process that generates the loss of cementum, dentin and bone, almost irreversibly, involving vital and pulpless teeth. The early stage is asymptomatic and might be diagnosed by a routine radiograph or a clinical examination. Radicular resorption appears because of cementoclastic, dentinoclastic or/and osteoclastic activity. The process of resorption is associated with a damage of the periodontal ligament as a result of injury and necrosis, macrophages are the first cells that are detected, followed by multinucleated cells, odontoclasts, which affect the cementum and dentin.

Keywords: calcium hydroxide; chlorhexidine; endodontic treatment; external radicular resorption.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dental Pulp Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Pressure
  • Root Resorption / pathology*
  • Tooth Root / pathology*