Treatment of a maxillary canine with external inflammatory root resorption

Abstract

This case report describes the treatment of a maxllary right canine with external inflammatory root resorption. Full instrumentation and long-term calcium hydroxide treatment were carried out. After 8 months and repeated changes of calcium hydroxide, a swelling developed in the buccal mucosa above the canine. Radiographs indicated that the inflammatory lesion adjacent to the resorption cavity had not healed, possibly because of the presence of anaerobic bacteria extraradicularly and inaccessibility to conventional endodontic therapy. The root canal was then obturated. A full-thickness flap was reflected, the granulation tissue was removed, and the resorption defect was repaired with an amalgam filling. Follow-up examinations indicated that the root resorption was arrested and periradicular repair was evident. This case report describes the treatment of a maxllary right canine with external inflammatory root resorption. Full instrumentation and long-term calcium hydroxide treatment were carried out. After 8 months and repeated changes of calcium hydroxide, a swelling developed in the buccal mucosa above the canine. Radiographs indicated that the inflammatory lesion adjacent to the resorption cavity had not healed, possibly because of the presence of anaerobic bacteria extraradicularly and inaccessibility to conventional endodontic therapy. The root canal was then obturated. A full-thickness flap was reflected, the granulation tissue was removed, and the resorption defect was repaired with an amalgam filling. Follow-up examinations indicated that the root resorption was arrested and periradicular repair was evident.