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Updated: May 17, 2026
13:06
Viral Tracing of Genetically Defined Neural Circuitry
Published on: October 17, 2012
Regional aggressive root resorption caused by neuronal virus infection
Inger Kjær1, Carsten Strøm, Nils Worsaae
1Department of Orthodontics, Institute of Odontology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 20 Norre Alle, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Case Reports in Dentistry
|October 26, 2012
Summary
Idiopathic root resorption can occur regionally, potentially linked to childhood viral infections spreading along nerve pathways. This regional pattern suggests innervation plays a protective role against tooth root damage.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Pathology
Background:
- Root resorption during orthodontic treatment is often unexplained.
- A clear distinction between regional and general root resorption is lacking.
- Idiopathic root resorption presents a diagnostic challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and analyze cases of regionally occurring idiopathic root resorption.
- To investigate the potential link between viral infections and regional root resorption.
- To explore the role of innervation in root resorption patterns.
Main Methods:
- Clinical and radiographic investigation of two patients with aggressive root resorption.
- Detailed patient history analysis, including childhood viral illnesses.
- Histological examination of resorbed tissue, identifying multinuclear dentinoclasts.
Main Results:
- Regional idiopathic root resorption was observed, originating cervically.
- Resorption patterns correlated with nerve pathways potentially affected by prior viral infections (meningitis, whooping cough).
- Histology confirmed the presence of multinuclear dentinoclasts, indicative of active resorption.
Conclusions:
- Viral infections may trigger regional root resorption by spreading along nerve paths.
- Innervation appears to be a protective factor against root resorption under normal conditions.
- Understanding nerve patterns is crucial for diagnosing and predicting severe, unexpected root resorption.
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