Root Resorption

Question 1

What are the main post-trauma complications?

Answer 1

Pulp necrosis and infection
Pulp canal obliteration
Root resorption
Breakdown of gingival margin and bone

Question 2

What is pulp canal obliteration?

Answer 2

Response of a vital pulp to a traumatic dental injury
Progressive hard tissue formation within the pulp cavity which results in gradual narrowing of pulp chamber and canal

Question 3

What are the different types of external root resorption?

Answer 3

Surface
External infection related IRR
Cervical
Ankylosis related RRR

Question 4

What is internal root resorption known as?

Answer 4

Internal infection related IRR

Question 5

Describe external surface resorption

Answer 5

Superficial resorption lacunae repaired with new cementum
Response to localised injury
Not progressive

Question 6

Describe external infection related IRR

Answer 6

Occurs in non-vital teeth with infected pulp canals
Initiated by PDL damage
Aggressive process
Diagnosed by indistinct root surface, root canal tramlines intact

Question 7

How is external infection related IRR managed?

Answer 7

Remove stimulus in canal
Endo treatment - dress with non-setting CaOH for 4-6 weeks before obturating with GP

Question 8

Describe ankylosis related RRR

Answer 8

Initiated by severe damage to PDL and cementum
Normal repair doesn’t occur
Radiograph ‘ragged’ root outline, no obvious PDL space
Speed variable

Question 9

How is ankylosis related RRR treated?

Answer 9

No effective treatment
Plan for loss of tooth

Question 10

Describe internal infection related IRR

Answer 10

Due to progressive pulp necrosis
Infected material via non-vital coronal part of canal propagates resorption
Radiograph shows symmetrical expansion of root canal walls
Tramlines of root canal are indistinct, root surface intact

Question 11

How is internal infection related IRR treated?

Answer 11

Remove stimulus
Endo treatment - non-setting CaOH for 4-6 weeks then obdurate with GP
If progressive, plan for loss