ROOT RESORPTION: INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL?

Root resorption is the progressive loss of dentine and cementum through the continued action of osteoclastic cells. In the primary/mixed dentition this is a normal physiological process in exfoliation of deciduous teeth but in resulting the adult dentition is largely pathological. The process of resorption may be self-limiting and go undetected clinically. Once initiated if the initial surface resorptive process is sustained for example by infection and/or pressure dental hard tissue destruction will continue and tooth tissue loss may occur. This may result in the tooth becoming unsalvageable Without intervention premature loss of the affected tooth may occur. Successful management is dependent upon a thorough understanding of the diagnosis.