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Extensive idiopathic external root resorption in first maxillary molar: a case report.
Behnam Bolhari1, Naghmeh Meraji, Ali Nosrat
1Department of Endodontics, Dental School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Iranian Endodontic Journal
|May 30, 2013
Summary
Idiopathic external root resorption, a rare dental condition, severely affected a patient's maxillary first molar despite normal tooth mobility. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing unexplained root resorption.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
Background:
- External root resorption (ERR) is a complex dental issue with multiple known causes.
- Idiopathic external root resorption (IER) refers to cases where no specific cause can be identified.
Observation:
- A case study of an 18-year-old patient with extensive IER in a maxillary first molar is presented.
- The condition presented with irreversible pulpitis, confirmed by vitality tests.
- Conventional radiography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) were used for diagnosis.
Findings:
- Despite severe root structure loss, the affected tooth exhibited no abnormal mobility.
- The precise etiology for the idiopathic external root resorption remained undetermined.
- The tooth demonstrated vitality but had irreversible pulpitis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with IER, particularly when typical signs like mobility are absent.
- Severe root resorption, even without mobility, indicates a poor prognosis.
- Extraction and subsequent dental implant replacement were deemed the most viable treatment option.
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