Management of rarely seen internal tunnelling root resorption associated with a maxillary permanent incisor

Br Dent J. 2024 Jun;236(12):955-961. doi: 10.1038/s41415-024-7504-7. Epub 2024 Jun 28.

Abstract

This case presents clinical techniques and materials that may be applied in the management of internal tunnelling root resorption, a rare condition which has little published literature.A 25-year-old woman was referred to a specialist centre by her general dental practitioner following an incidental finding of a radiographic radiolucency, suggestive of root resorption associated with tooth 21. A provisional diagnosis of external cervical resorption was made, and following cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), a definitive diagnosis of internal tunnelling root resorption given. Non-surgical endodontic treatment was completed using continuous wave compaction with a calcium-silicate based sealer. No further intervention has been required.A summary of the histology, aetiology, prevalence, diagnosis, management and prognosis of internal tunnelling root resorption is provided. The benefits of CBCT for diagnosing and managing internal tunnelling resorption defects and using continuous wave compaction with a calcium-silicate based sealer, compared to cold obturation techniques, are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcium Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Cone-Beam Computed Tomography*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incisor*
  • Maxilla
  • Root Canal Filling Materials* / therapeutic use
  • Root Canal Therapy / methods
  • Root Resorption* / diagnostic imaging
  • Root Resorption* / etiology
  • Root Resorption* / therapy
  • Silicates / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Root Canal Filling Materials
  • Silicates
  • Calcium Compounds
  • calcium silicate