Endodontic and restorative management of a resorbed eight-unit fixed partial denture abutment tooth: report of case

Treating internal resorption is one of dentistry's most difficult challenges. This pathological process is difficult to manage in an advanced stage. The usual treatment involves surgery or, in many cases, extraction of the resorbed tooth. It is often difficult for the patient to understand and accept such a radical treatment approach. This report of case illustrates severe internal resorption that destroyed a major portion of a key abutment tooth supporting an eight-unit fixed partial denture. The resorptive pathosis was treated by a nonsurgical endodontic approach. The severely damaged abutment was reinforced and restored so that the existing eight-unit fixed partial denture could be preserved. The patient was pleased with the method of treatment and was commended for seeking regular recall professional care. It would have been easy to postpone treatment as the problem was asymptomatic. However, to do so probably would have resulted in loss of the resorbed abutment tooth, thus creating a complex restorative situation. The original prosthesis is currently 14 years old, functioning well, and showing no apparent evidence of pathosis. Costly and time-consuming remake procedures were avoided and patient satisfaction was maintained.