Non-Interventional Resolution of External Cervical Root Resorption: A Case Report.
Farnam Pourreza-Jorshari1, Georgios Patouris1, Faraz Pourreza-Jorshari2
1Postgraduate Endodontic Unit, King's College London Dental Institute, London, UK, kcl.ac.uk.
Case Reports in Dentistry
|April 20, 2026
Summary
External cervical resorption (ECR) can unexpectedly stabilize and regress over time, even in advanced cases. This suggests conservative management may be effective for ECR, avoiding unnecessary interventions.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Endodontics
- Oral Pathology
Background:
- External cervical resorption (ECR) is a rare dental condition.
- Orthodontic treatment is a known risk factor for ECR.
- ECR often originates below the epithelial attachment and can be asymptomatic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of advanced external cervical resorption (ECR) that demonstrated spontaneous regression.
- To highlight the potential for conservative management in ECR cases.
- To emphasize the importance of thorough radiographic evaluation in diagnosing ECR.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 24-year-old female with Heithersay Class 3 ECR on tooth 37.
- Long-term monitoring with serial radiographic imaging over 8 years.
- Clinical assessment of pulp vitality and periapical health.
Main Results:
- The advanced ECR lesion on tooth 37 showed significant hard-tissue deposition and regression.
- The tooth maintained normal pulp vitality and had no periapical pathology or symptoms.
- An additional ECR lesion was identified on tooth 26, underscoring the need for comprehensive imaging.
Conclusions:
- Advanced external cervical resorption (ECR) lesions may stabilize and regress without active treatment.
- Conservative, individualized management is a viable approach for ECR.
- Spontaneous stabilization suggests that removing resorptive stimuli is key to ECR management.
