Vanishing roots: first case report of idiopathic multiple cervico-apical external root resorption

Idiopathic root resorption is a very rare phenomenon. Resorption in tooth is brought about by odontoclastic activity. Special mechanisms in the periodontal ligament exist to prevent mineralization of the periodontal ligament and these periodontal ligament cells produce factors that inhibit mineralized tissue resorption and are capable of regulating bone and cementum formation. When this mechanism is disturbed it manifests in resorption of root structure. This case report is of a 28-year-old male with a very rare phenomenon where external resorption of both cervical and apical portion of root of multiple teeth was observed and it is documented for the first time.