Invasive cervical resorption: etiology, diagnosis, classification and treatment

Conservative management of an advanced external cervical resorption with internal approach using bio-ceramic materials: A case report

Key clinical message

A successful management of an advanced external cervical resorption using a conservative approach with CBCT, dental operating microscope, and a new bio-ceramic material.

Abstract

External cervical resorption (ECR) is a pathologic condition that is initiated on the external aspect of the root, below the epithelial attachment in the cervical position. This article will report a case of external cervical resorption (ESR) in an advanced stage, which was asymptomatic and was incidentally detected in a follow-up radiograph after the end of orthodontic treatment. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was prescribed to accurately diagnose the resorptive lesion and differentiate it from internal root resorption (IRR), and the final diagnosis was Heithersay's class IV ECR. Considering the health of the periodontium and the absence of attachment loss, it was decided to use a conservative internal approach to the management of this case. After the treatment, the patient was asymptomatic and the radiographic examinations showed no signs of peri-radicular pathology during the follow-up period. With the correct case selection and the availability of the appropriate materials and equipment such as a dental operating microscope (DOM) and bio-ceramic materials, the internal approach can be a successful and minimally invasive treatment, even for the management of advanced ECR cases.

[External cervical tooth root resorption]

External cervical tooth root resorption is one of the most aggressive types of pathological resorption. Due to the uncontrolled growth of resorptive tissue, irreversible loss of dentin and cement occurs. To date, there is no common position regarding the etiological factor and pathogenesis of invasive cervical resorption. The histological picture is similar to some fibro-bone lesions. The treatment outcome of the pathology is difficult to predict because elimination of the causative factor is often not sufficient for resorption arrest. Only the complete elimination of resorptive tissue helps to stop the process. The report describes a clinical case of a successful treatment of invasive cervical resorption of dental hard tissues.

External cervical resorption-a review of pathogenesis and potential predisposing factors

External cervical resorption (ECR) refers to a pathological state in which resorption tissues penetrate into the dentin at the cervical aspect of the root. Despite being latent in its initial phase, ECR could cause severe damage to mineralized dental tissue and even involve the pulp if not given timely diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, the etiology of ECR is still poorly understood, which adds to the difficulty in early diagnosis. ECR has received growing attention in recent years due to the increasing number of clinical cases. Several potential predisposing factors have been recognized in cross-sectional studies as well as case reports. In the meantime, studies on histopathology and pathogenesis have shed light on possible mechanisms of ECR. This review aims to summarize the latest findings in the pathogenesis and potential predisposing factors of ECR, so as to provide pragmatic reference for clinical practice.

Invasive cervical resorption of central incisor during orthodontic treatment

Introduction:

Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a relatively rare type of ERR (External Root Resorption), in which a localized resorption begins in the cervical area of the tooth, below the epithelial junction and above the ridge crest.

Objective:

Describe the clinical case of an 11-year-old boy with no dental trauma history, presenting moderate crowding and ectopic eruption of the maxillary right central incisor. He had been undergoing orthodontic treatment elsewhere, and his family was dissatisfied with the results.

Description:

A new treatment was indicated, which included rapid maxillary expansion followed by extraction of four premolars. During routine panoramic evaluation, a radiolucid image was detected and a periapical radiograph was requested. At this point, an ICR of the maxillary right central incisor was found. The treatment was cautiously finalized and despite the use of light forces, central incisor was severally compromised by ICR and was therefore extracted.

Conclusion:

This clinical example discusses the importance of routine radiographs for the early diagnoses of ICR.

The Disease Process, Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Cervical Resorption: A Review

Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a localized, subepithelial, supra-osseous resorptive process of the tooth. Although there are several predisposing factors associated with ICR, its etiology and pathogenesis are poorly understood. The damage to the protective layer on the external root surface appears to allow for the attachment of clastic cells and initiate the resorptive process, which is confined by the inner protective pericanalar resorption-resistant sheet surrounding the root canal space. The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is recommended for the diagnosis and assessment of a resorptive lesion. Based on the thorough evaluation of the size and location of the ICR lesion using CBCT, surgical or nonsurgical treatment can be chosen to address the source of the resorption. This review discusses the current status of knowledge regarding the biology of ICR lesions as well as their external or internal treatment using hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials. Future clinical outcome studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials on the healing of ICR lesions.

[Dental root resorption etiology, diagnosis and treatment]

The process of resorption of hard tooth tissues is associated with the activity of osteoclasts. However, the initiation of resorption can be caused by many factors acting separately or simultaneously. The paper presents the characteristics of pathological tooth resorption. The main etiological factors, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, as well as treatment of various forms of tooth resorption are described.

Invasive Cervical Resorption: Clinical Management in the Anterior Zone

According to the high number of articles published on invasive cervical resorption (ICR), this pathology, as commonly believed, is a more frequent form of cervical resorption. ICR is often misdiagnosed as internal resorption or caries, which leads to inappropriate treatment and even unnecessary tooth loss. Despite a correct diagnosis, the treatment of this type of hyperplastic invasive external resorption poses a challenge for the clinician. The Heithersay classification and the use of cone-beam computed tomographic imaging have increased our knowledge of the pathology and helped improve its prognosis. Nevertheless, there is no standard protocol for the treatment of this type of lesion. This article proposes a treatment protocol for ICR based on the pattern and location of resorption. Three treatment approaches (internal access, external access, and intentional replantation) are presented through 3 clinical cases.

Impact of Intracoronal Dentin Treatment Prior to Bleaching on Bond Strength of Restorative Materials

Surface treatment of dentin before the bleaching procedure may affect its permeability and influence the bond strength of restorative materials. This study evaluated the influence of surface treatment before the bleaching on shear bond strength (SBT) of restorative materials to intracoronal dentin. Dentin slabs were subjected to surface treatment: no bleaching (control - CON), no surface treatment + bleaching (HP), 37% phosphoric acid + bleaching (PA) and Er:YAG laser + bleaching (L). After the bleaching procedure, specimens (n=10) were restored with: microhybrid composite resin (MH), flowable composite resin (F), and resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC). The shear test was carried out. ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05) showed significant difference for surface treatment and restorative materials (p<0.05). CON presented higher STB and was statistically different from HP (p<0.05). PA and L showed intermediate values and were statistically similar to CON and HP (p>0.05). STB for MH and F were higher than RMGIC (p<0.05), and did not differ from each other (p>0.05). The surface treatments with phosphoric acid and Er:YAG laser before the bleaching procedure provided shear bond strength at the same level of unbleached dentin and the composite resins presented superior bond strength to the intracoronal dentin.