Transient root resorption after dental trauma: the clinician's dilemma

The diagnostic shortcomings encountered in the clinical evaluation of pulpal and periodontal healing subsequent to trauma comprise a major problem in dental traumatology. An acute dental trauma may imply impact to the hard dental tissues and damage to the pulp and periodontium (including surrounding alveolar bone). In the case of luxation injuries, the trauma often results in rupture of the neurovascular supply at the level of the apical foramen, whereas in a root fracture, the same occurs at the level of the fracture. Conventional diagnostic criteria for pulpal status (coronal discoloration, loss of pulpal sensibility, tenderness to percussion, and radiographic change [i.e., resorption]) reflect, only indirectly, certain parameters of healing. These parameters are based empirically on clinical findings after dental caries and dental restorative techniques, where the pulp has an intact neurovascular supply apically. In these situations, long-standing bacterial or chemical attack can lead to irreversible change. In contrast, following traumatic impact, a presumably intact pulp is deprived of its neurovascular supply instantaneously. In the absence of infection, events following acute dental trauma aim at either tissue repair or regeneration. Thus, based on a series of long-term clinical studies, it was found that all conventional signs, with the exception of tenderness to percussion, could be signs of pulpal healing, as well as signs of pulpal death. Based on the results of these studies, this report discusses the significance of radiographic change (resorption) in relation to pulpal and periodontal healing following acute trauma. Moreover, implications of tooth luxation with respect to the long-term prognosis following crown, crown-root, and root fractures are discussed.

Whenever possible, it is to the patient's advantage that pulp vitality be preserved. Correct diagnostic techniques and patient selection enable the clinician to decide when endodontic therapy is appropriate and when intelligent observation is the "treatment" of choice.