Resorption in the maxillary incisor with dens invaginatus

Abstract

The management of root resorption is a challenge to the endodontist. It occurs in cases with chronic pulpal inflammation or due to trauma. Internal resorption, a rare phenomenon, has been a quandary from the standpoints of both its diagnosis and treatment. It is mostly asymptomatic and discovered by chance on routine radiographic examination or by a classic sign, the pink tooth. Early diagnosis, removal of the cause, proper treatment of the resorbed root are mandatory for successful treatment outcome. External tooth resorption usually follows trauma to the periodontal ligament. It is often confused with internal resorption. A combination of both external and internal resorptions can also occur on the same tooth, making the management more complex. Dens invaginatus is a developmental malformation of the teeth that most commonly affects the permanent maxillary lateral incisor. The clinical importance of dens invaginatus results from the risk of pulpal disease. The presence of dens invaginatus with internal resorption is extremely rare. This paper is an attempt to summarize the knowledge on internal root resorption and present cases, which were successfully managed by different treatment modalities.