Abstract
Multiple idiopathic external root resorption is a rare pathological condition usually detected as an incidental radiographic finding. External root resorption of permanent teeth is a multifactorial process related to several local and systemic factors. If an etiological factor cannot be identified for root resorption, the term "idiopathic" is applied. This report presents a case of multiple idiopathic apical root resorption. The condition was found in a young female patient seeking orthodontic treatment due to malocclusion. This kind of resorption starts apically and progresses coronally, causing a gradual shortening and rounding of the remaining root. Patients with this condition are not the ideal candidates for orthodontic treatment; however, the aim of this report is to describe an unusual case of idiopathic root resorption involving the entire dentition, and to present the orthodontic treatment of this patient. It describes the progress and completion of orthodontic therapy with satisfactory end results.
Highlights
External root resorption in the permanent dentition is usually pathological
Nine clearly identified cases of multiple idiopathic apical root resorption have been reported in the literature.[1,3,6,7,8,9,10,11,12]
Panoramic and periapical radiographs taken at the end of treatment revealed that there was no significant progression of root resorption and the periodontal condition was acceptable (Fig 8)
Summary
Recognized causes of external resorption of primary and permanent teeth include trauma, infection, periodontal disease, endodontic treatment, encroachment from neoplasm, orthodontic treatment, bleaching, Paget’s disease of bone, and trauma to the jaws. When none of these causes are present, resorption is termed ‘‘idiopathic resorption of teeth.’’1 Idiopathic external root resorption (IERR) affects either or both apical and cervical regions of one or several teeth, but most commonly occurs in the apical region. The incidence of IERR seems to be greater in younger women.[4,5] Only nine clearly identified cases of multiple idiopathic apical root resorption have been reported in the literature.[1,3,6,7,8,9,10,11,12] All of them were in relatively young individuals aged from 14 to 34 years old, and all except two were in males.[11,12]
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