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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
External Cervical Resorption: Relationships between Classification, Treatment, and 1-Year Outcome with Evaluation of
Schuyler DeLuca1, Andrew Choi1, Sarah Pagni2
1Department of Endodontics, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
Introduction:
The purpose of this study was to identify possible associations between classification, treatment, and 1-year outcome of external cervical resorption (ECR) lesions using the Heithersay and Patel systems. Performance of the Patel 3-dimensional classification system was also evaluated.
Methods:
A chart review identified 142 cases of ECR over a 12-year period. Information regarding demographics, predisposing factors, lesion classification, treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Inter- and intraobserver reliability analyses were conducted for both classification systems.
Results:
There were 72 cases with at least 1 year of follow up; 70% of these cases survived. Treatment recommendations were correlated with both Heithersay and Patel classification. There were no correlations found between 1-year outcome and either classification or treatment done. The weighted reliability analysis showed substantial agreement in both classification systems for both inter- and intraobserver agreement. There was a significant association between the 2 systems; however, the Heithersay system tended to underestimate the apical extent of the lesion.
Conclusions:
Periodic review of ECR lesions presents as a viable treatment option, at least for 1 year after diagnosis. The Patel 3-dimensional classification system is at least as effective as the Heithersay system and should be used in future ECR prognosis studies. Further long-term outcome assessments are still needed.
