Background: External root resorption is a pathological process which tends to occur following a wide range of mechanical or chemical stimuli such as infection, pressure, trauma or orthodontic tooth movement. Although it is predominantly detected by radiography, in some cases, root resorption may be identified by clinical symptoms i.e. pain, swelling and mobility of the tooth. Treatment alternatives are case-dependant and aim at the removal of the cause and the regeneration of the resorptive lesion.
Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of any interventions that can be used in the management of external root resorption in permanent teeth.
Search strategy: We searched the following databases in April 2010: The Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 3); MEDLINE (via OVID) (1950 to April 2010); and EMBASE (via OVID) (1980 to April 2010). We also searched two regional bibliographic databases (IndMED and Iranmedex) and handsearched five Iranian dental journals using free text terms appropriate for this review.
Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials comparing any type of intervention including root canal medications and canal filling, splinting or extraction of teeth or the surgical removal of any relevant pathology with each other, or placebo or no treatment applied to permanent teeth with any type of external root resorption which had been confirmed by clinical and radiological examination.
Data collection and analysis: Two review authors conducted screening of studies in duplicate and independently. The Cochrane Collaboration statistical guidelines were to be followed.
Main results: 66 trials were identified in our searches none of which matched our inclusion criteria. However, we identified one ongoing study which is potentially relevant to this review and will be assessed when it is published.
Authors' conclusions: We were unable to identify any reports of randomised controlled trials regarding the efficacy of different interventions for the management of external root resorption. In view of the lack of any high level evidence on this topic, it is suggested that clinicians decide on the most appropriate means of managing this condition according to their clinical experience with regard to patient related factors. Future research should consist of robust clinical trials which conform to the CONSORT statement (www.consort-statement.org/).