External Cervical Resorption Research Articles

Clinical and radiographic features of external cervical resorption - An observational study.

To determine the prevalence of symptoms, clinical signs and radiographic presentation of external cervical resorption (ECR). This study involved 215 ECR lesions in 194 patients referred to the Endodontic postgraduate Unit at King's College London or Specialist Endodontic practice (London, UK). The clinical and radiographic findings (periapical [PA] and cone beam computed tomography [CBCT]) were readily accessible for evaluation. A checklist was used for data collection. Inferential analysis was carried out to determine if there was any potential association between type and location of tooth in the jaw as well as sex, age of the patient and ECR presentation and radiographic feature. Eighty-eight patients (94 teeth) were female and 106 patients were male (121 teeth), the mean age (±SD) was 41.5 (±17.7) years. Fifteen patients (7.7%) had more than one ECR lesion. The most affected teeth were maxillary central incisors (21.4% [46 teeth]) and mandibular first molars (10.2% [22 teeth]). ECR was most commonly detected as an incidental radiographic finding in 58.1% [125 teeth] of the cases. ECR presented with symptoms of pulpal/periapical disease in 23.3% [n = 50] and clinical signs (e.g. pink spot, cavitation) in 16.7% [36 teeth] of the cases. Clinical signs such as cavitation (14%), pink spot (5.1%) and discolouration (2.8%) were uncommon, but their incidence increased up to 24.7% when combined with other clinical findings. ECR was detected in the resorptive and reparative phases in 70.2% and 29.8% of the cases respectively. ECR appears to be quiescent in nature, the majority being asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally from PA or CBCT. When assessed with the Patel classification, most lesions were minimal to moderate in relation to their height (1 or 2) and circumferential spread (A or B). However, the majority of ECRs were in (close) proximity to the pulp. Symptoms and clinical signs were associated with (probable) pulp involvement rather than the height and circumferential spread of the lesion. Clinical signs were more frequently associated when ECR affected multiple surfaces.

Application of Hyperpure Chlorine Dioxide for Regenerative Endodontic Treatment of a Root-Canal-Treated Immature Tooth with External Cervical Resorption and Periapical Lesion: A Case Report

The consequences of traumatic injuries are pulp necrosis, periapical inflammation, and possible external cervical resorption (ECR). The concomitant cessation of root maturation and dentinogenesis in premature teeth result in a fragile tooth. Revascularization of the pulp might be an alternative treatment option. A 12-year-old patient was referred for retreatment of chronic apical periodontitis with acute exacerbation after root canal treatment of an upper central incisor. During gutta-percha removal, an ECR was detected. First, it was closed internally with Biodentine, followed by an external composite closure after a cone beam computed tomography evaluation. In the first session, chemomechanical cleaning was aided with sodium hypochlorite and hyperpure chlorine dioxide, and the canal was dressed with Ca(OH)2 until the next session. In the next session, only the low-toxicity, but adequate, bactericide hyperpure chlorine dioxide was applied for irrigation, before the provocation of periapical bleeding into the canal. The blood clots were covered with Biodentine, and the tooth was restored with composite filling. During the 24-month follow-up, clinical signs/symptoms had disappeared, and the periapical lesion was resolved. Increased root thickness in the apical third and decreased size of the apical foramen were detected. In conclusion, regenerative endodontic procedures could potentially be used to retreat immature teeth with persistent apical periodontitis and external cervical resorption.

Pathogenesis of non-infection related inflammatory root resorption in permanent teeth: A narrative review.

The mechanism of action of root resorption in a permanent tooth can be classified as infection-related (e.g., microbial infection) or non-infection-related (e.g., sterile damage). Infection induced root resorption occurs due to bacterial invasion. Non-infection-related root resorption stimulates the immune system through a different mechanism. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the pathophysiologic process of non-infection-related inflammatory processes involved in root resorption of permanent teeth. A literature search on root resorption was conducted using Scopus (PubMed and Medline) and Google Scholar databases to highlight the pathophysiology of bone and root resorption in non-infection-related situations. The search included key words covering the relevant category. It included in vitro and in vivo studies, systematic reviews, case series, reviews, and textbooks in English. Conference proceedings, lectures and letters to the editor were excluded. Three types of root resorption are related to the non-infection mechanism of action, which includes surface resorption due to either trauma or excessive orthodontic forces, external replacement resorption and external cervical resorption. The triggers are usually damage associated molecular patterns and hypoxia conditions. During this phase macrophages and clastic cells act to eliminate the damaged tissue and bone, eventually enabling root resorption and bone repair as part of wound healing. The resorption of the root occurs during the inflammatory phase of wound healing. In this phase, damaged tissues are recognized by macrophages and neutrophiles that secrete interlaukines such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8. Together with the hypoxia condition that accelarates the secretion of growth factors, the repair of the damaged perioduntiom, including damaged bone, is initiated. If the precementum and cementoblast are injured, root resorption can occur. Wound healing exhibits different patterns of action that involves immune stimulation in a bio-physiological activity, that occurs in the proper sequence, with overlapping phases. Two pathologic conditions, DAMPs and hypoxia, can activate the immune cells including clastic cells, eliminating damaged tissue and bone. Under certain conditions, root resorption occurs as a side effect.

Clinical Management of External Cervical Resorption: ASystematic Review.

This review investigated whether any therapeutic options influenced the outcome of treatment for teeth with external cervical resorption. Out of 870 articles identified by an electronic search, 60 clinical case reports and six case series were included. No randomised clinical trials were found. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute's tools. External surgical intervention was the preferred method of accessing the lesions. Removal of resorptive tissue was most often achieved mechanically. Bioactive endodontic cements were the preferred materials for restoring teeth. The outcome measures were based on clinical and radiographic parameters. Of the cases included in the review, no specific treatment approach had a superior outcome in relation to Heithersay's classification. Furthermore, due to the absence of randomised clinical trials, and the low level of evidence associated with case reports/case series, it was not possible to define the optimum clinical treatment for external cervical resorption.

Surgical repair of external cervical resorption - Prognosis and prognostic factors

Background/purposeExternal cervical resorption (ECR) is an aggressive form of root resorption, which etiology is unclear and its prognosis remains unpredictable. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognosis and potential prognostic factors of ECR-affected teeth after surgical intervention for external repair with/without root canal treatment. Materials and methodsTreated ECR cases from 2009 to 2019 were collected retrospectively. The survival of the teeth and the status of root resorption were assessed during the follow-up period. Potential prognostic factors were analyzed with log-rank test and Kaplan–Meier statistics. ResultsA total of 42 treated ECR-affected teeth were enrolled. The two-year survival rate was 71.20% [54.16%, 93.59%]. Persistent root resorption was the main complication after treatment. Patients with multiple ECR-affected teeth had greater recurrent potential than patients with solitary ECR-affected teeth. Prolonged calcium hydroxide dressing may contribute to a more favorable clinical outcome. Gender, age, tooth position and the need for root canal treatment did not show statistically significant effect on the prognosis. ConclusionThe current surgical method was able to arrest ECR in most cases. However, the case type (the number of ECR-affected teeth per patient) could highly affect the prognosis of the teeth. Clinicians should consider long-term calcium hydroxide dressing in case of pulp involvement to achieve better results.

The prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of external cervical resorption: a retrospective practice-based study.

External cervical root resorption (ECR) is a poorly understood and aggressive form of resorption. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of ECR in patients seeking endodontic care from private practice settings. Records of 343 patients with 390 teeth diagnosed with ECR were identified from 3 private endodontic practices from 2008 to 2022. The patients' demographic information, systemic conditions, and dental history were recorded. The characteristics of the cases including Heithersay classification, pulpal and periapical status, and their management were documented. The association between case severity and potential predisposing factors was examined using chi-square analysis. The overall prevalence of ECR among patients seeking endodontic care was low (< 1%). However, there was a greater than twofold increase in the pooled prevalence from 2016 to 2021 (0.99%) compared to the data from 2010 to 2015 (0.46%). The most commonly affected teeth were anterior teeth (48.7%). Class II (30.0%) and class III (45.4%) defects were the most often identified. Patients with a history of trauma or orthodontic treatment were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with severe cervical resorption (class III or IV) (p < 0.05). There has been an increase in the prevalence of ECR in patients seeking endodontic care. A history of orthodontic treatment and traumatic dental mechanical injuries may predict the severity of resorption. The upward trend in the occurrence of ECR warrants close monitoring of the patients at high risk of developing the condition to facilitate early detection and management.

Effects of different treatment modalities on biomechanical behavior of maxillary incisors with external invasive cervical resorption at different progression levels.

This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of maxillary incisors with external invasive cervical resorption (EICR) at different progression levels after receiving different modes of treatment under occlusal forces using finite element analysis (FEA). Three-dimensional (3D) models of intact maxillary central incisors were constructed and modified to include EICR cavities with different progression levels in the buccal cervical areas. The EICR cavities confined to dentin were repaired using Biodentine™ (Septodont Ltd., Saint Maur des Fausse ́s, France), resin composite, or glass ionomer cement (GIC) . Additionally, EICR cavities with pulp invasion requiring direct pulp capping were simulated as repaired using Biodentine only or 1 mm thick Biodentine and either resin composite or GIC for the rest of the cavity. Moreover, models with root canal treatment and EICR defects repaired using Biodentine, resin composites, or GIC were also generated. A force of 240 N was applied to the incisal edge. The principal stresses in the dentin were evaluated. GIC showed more favorable results than the other materials in EICR cavities confined to the dentin. However, Biodentine alone resulted in more favorable minimum principal stresses (Pmin ) compared to other materials in EICR cavities with close pulp proximity. Exceptionally, the models localized in the coronal third of the root with a circumferential extension of the cavity >90° showed more favorable results for GIC. The presence of root canal treatment had no significant effect on stress values. Based on this FEA study the use of GIC in EICR lesions confined to the dentin is recommended. However, Biodentine may be a better option for restoring EICR lesions close to the pulp with or without root canal treatment. Except when the circumferential extension of the cavity is >90°, the use of GIC may be more advantageous.

External Cervical Resorption Surgical and Non-Surgical Management: A Case Report

The loss of tooth hard tissue caused by odontoclast cell action is described as external cervical resorption (ECR). ECR is commonly initiated on the cervical third of the root’s surface. This study includes a summary of the etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of ECR. Only when the exact type and precise position of the ECR defect are identified, can effective management and the proper course of treatment be taken. A 29-year-old male patient’s general dentist noticed ECR in the upper right first premolar during a routine radiography examination. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was done to assess the lesion’s extent. Glass ionomer cement was surgically applied to the defect to fill it. Nonsurgically, root canal treatment was carried out before and after the surgical intervention. Using CBCT, combining nonsurgical and surgical approaches to manage such cases is an effective way of treatment.

Stresses in Teeth with External Cervical Resorption Defects Restored with Different Biomimetic Cements: A Finite Element Analysis

IntroductionThis study compared the stress distributions in teeth with simulated external cervical resorption defects restored with different restorative materials and identified areas of high stress concentration. MethodsA maxillary central incisor created in a scanned model using HyperWorks software (Altair Engineering Inc, Troy, MI) served as the control. External cervical resorption defects based on Shanon Patel’s classification were created (1Bd/2Bd/3Bd) in the scanned model. The defects were restored using mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, glass ionomer cement, and Bioaggregate. On all the models, a force of 100 N was applied on the palatal aspect 2 mm incisal to the cingulum directed at 45° along the long axis of the tooth. ResultsThe stresses generated in dentin and cementum are less, with a restorative material having a high Young’s modulus. For the 1Bd defect, MTA and Bioaggregate showed least stresses in dentin and cementum, respectively, whereas Biodentine had consistently lower stresses in dentin and cementum. Larger defects like 2Bd and 3Bd restored with Bioaggregate exhibited minimum stresses in dentin and cementum. ConclusionsBioaggregate and Biodentine replace dentin with maximum stress and maximum strain. Elastic moduli similar to or higher than dentin are preferred for restoring cervical third resorptive lesions of the tooth.

Management of external cervical resorption with internal approach: 18 months of follow-up

Introduction: External cervical resorption (ECR) in advance stages may have a probable pulp involvement. In some of these cases, the accessibility of the resorptive process can be performed by an intraradicular approach. Aim: To report the management of an ECR, classified as Class 2cp according to Patel classification, with an internal approach. Case report: A 22-year-old male patient presented a complaint of dentin hypersensitivity related to left maxillary lateral incisor and reported a history of previous dental trauma. Based on the clinical, radiographic and tomographic findings, the left maxillary lateral incisor was diagnosed as symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with ECR class 2cp of Patel classification. The patient was scheduled for endodontic treatment, with an internal approach, and repair of the resorbed area. Intracanal dressing of calcium hydroxide paste was used in the root canal and resorption gaps. The root canal filling was performed in two steps: obturation of the apical and middle third with gutta-percha by lateral condensation technique and obturation of the cervical third and filling the resorbed area with MTA. After 18 months signs and symptoms compatible with success were observed, and the tomographic and radiographic images suggested a successful endodontic treatment and evolutionary process of repair of bone and mineralized dental tissues. Conclusion: Patel class 2cp ECR treatment through an internal approach, including conventional endodontic treatment and recovery of the reabsorbed area with calcium hydroxide and MTA is a viable treatment option, but may cause tooth discoloration.

Guided Tissue Regeneration in Class IV External Cervical Resorption: A Case Report

External cervical resorption (ECR) is a type of dental resorption that originates from the loss of the cementum's protective layer. The direct exposure of dentin to the periodontal ligament may lead to the invasion of clastic cells through an entry point on the external root surface into the dentinal tissue, causing resorption. Depending on the extension of ECR, different treatments are proposed. Although the literature presents distinct materials and methods for restoring ECR areas, an existing gap is related to care in the treatment of the supporting periodontal tissue. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR)/guided bone regeneration includes the stimulation of bone formation in bone defects using different types of membranes (resorbable and nonresorbable), regardless of its association with bone substitutes or grafts. Despite the benefits of guided bone regeneration, the application of this method in cases of ECR is still under-explored in the literature. Thus, the present case report uses GTR with xenogenic material and polydioxanone membrane in a case of class IV ECR. The success of the present case is related to the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Complete debridement of resorption areas and restoration with biodentine were effective in tooth repair. GTR contributed to the stabilization of supporting periodontal tissues. The association of the xenogeneic bone graft with the polydioxanone membrane proved to be a viable option for restoring the health of the periodontium.

Is External Cervical Resorption an Established Manifestation of Systemic Sclerosis? A Case Report

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by hardening and fibrosis of the skin. To date, only a small number of case reports have established a relationship between scleroderma and external cervical resorption (ECR). The aim of this case report is to document the case of a patient with multiple external cervical resorption lesions, who was referred to our unit. A 54-year-old female patient, with a 10-year history of systemic sclerosis diagnosed by her rheumatologist, was referred to our unit regarding extensive ECR. A total of 14 maxillary and mandibular teeth with ECR were detected by clinical examination and cone-beam computed tomography. The characteristic vascularity of resorptive defects with profuse bleeding upon probing was not evident. The patient declined any active treatment owing to the desire to avoid lengthy and unpredictable treatment, which may hasten the loss of her teeth. General practitioners should be aware of the relationship between connective tissue disorders and ECR. Although not well established in the literature, the vascular changes implicated in scleroderma may stimulate the odontoclastic processes involved in ECR.

Histologic Features of External Cervical Resorption Affecting Impacted Maxillary Canines: A Report of 2 Cases

Reports on the histopathologic features of external cervical resorption (ECR) in unerupted teeth are scarce. This article reports on 2 maxillary impacted canines from different patients that showed ECR lesions and were surgically removed and histologically evaluated. Case 1 showed symptoms associated with oral communication of the dental follicle and pulpal exposure. Radiographs and cone-beam computed tomographic imaging showed that resorption affected a large part of the root and the crown. Case 2 was asymptomatic, and the resorption cavity was restricted to the tooth crown. Both teeth were extracted and subjected to histologic processing and analysis. In case number 1, the coronal pulp was necrotic and infected, showing areas of exposure to the resorption channels. The apical pulp was vital and uninflamed. The pulp space was surrounded by a continuous pericanalar resorption-resistant sheet. Part of the resorbed area of dentin was occupied by inflamed granulation tissue. More apically, a network of trabecular bone was present in the resorbed area. In case number 2, the pulp around the resorbed area was uninflamed and vital. A large fraction of the lost dentin was replaced by trabecular bone, closely adapted to the irregularly resorbed dentin surface, and no inflammatory cells. Our findings indicate that impacted teeth with ECR may remain asymptomatic until associated with infection. Histologic features of resorption in impacted teeth were similar to those in erupted teeth. In the case associated with infection, the resorbed area was occupied by inflamed tissue and newly formed bone. In the case with no infection, the resorption area was filled with bone undergoing a remodeling process.

Pulp Revascularization After Autotransplantation of the Mandibular Canines With Partially Resected Roots: Report of 5 Cases With Follow-ups Between 26 and 80 Months

IntroductionTransmigrated (migrated through the midline) mandibular canines constitute a treatment challenge. Advanced transmigration can be successfully treated by autotransplantation. In developing canines, pulp revascularization is typical after transplantation. On the contrary, the pulp of teeth with completed apex formation does not undergo revascularization. In this case, root canal treatment becomes compulsory and decreases the success of autotransplantation. The aim of this observational retrospective study was to evaluate whether partial resection of the root (performed during the autotransplantation of mature canines) would enable revascularization of the pulp after the surgery. MethodsFive transmigrated mandibular canines with complete apex formation before the surgery were evaluated. During the autotransplantation surgery, the resection of 2 to 4 mm of the root apex was performed to open the path for revascularization of the pulp after surgery. The transplanted teeth were observed during healing after the surgery for the presence of pulp obliteration. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed. ResultsAll treated canines survived the minimum observation period of 2 years (ranging from 26 to 80 months, mean: 55 months) without pulp healing complications. The survival was 100%, and the success was 80%. In one canine, the external cervical root resorption was diagnosed and treated 1 year after the surgery. At the final examination, transplanted canines presented radiographic features of pulp obliteration, normal mobility, and healthy periodontal tissues. ConclusionsThe surgical protocol proved to be successful in promoting revascularization to maintain pulp vitality, in all cases. The outcomes confirm that autotransplantation, combined with the resection of the root, constitutes a valid treatment for mature ectopic canines.

External Cervical Resorption: Relationships between Classification, Treatment, and 1-Year Outcome with Evaluation of the Heithersay and Patel Classification Systems

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to identify possible associations between classification, treatment, and 1-year outcome of external cervical resorption (ECR) lesions using the Heithersay and Patel systems. Performance of the Patel 3-dimensional classification system was also evaluated. MethodsA chart review identified 142 cases of ECR over a 12-year period. Information regarding demographics, predisposing factors, lesion classification, treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Inter- and intraobserver reliability analyses were conducted for both classification systems. ResultsThere were 72 cases with at least 1 year of follow up; 70% of these cases survived. Treatment recommendations were correlated with both Heithersay and Patel classification. There were no correlations found between 1-year outcome and either classification or treatment done. The weighted reliability analysis showed substantial agreement in both classification systems for both inter- and intraobserver agreement. There was a significant association between the 2 systems; however, the Heithersay system tended to underestimate the apical extent of the lesion. ConclusionsPeriodic review of ECR lesions presents as a viable treatment option, at least for 1 year after diagnosis. The Patel 3-dimensional classification system is at least as effective as the Heithersay system and should be used in future ECR prognosis studies. Further long-term outcome assessments are still needed.

Conservative Restorative Management of External Cervical Tooth Resorption: A Case Report

Background: External cervical resorption (ECR) is one of the subclassifications of external root resorption. The etiology of ECR is still unclear. In most cases, it is not evident and asymptomatic before the involvement of the pulp. Case presentation: This paper reports a case of ECR in the mandibular right first molar of a 24-year-old patient who presented with an asymptomatic pink tooth. A two-dimensional radiograph and Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) showed cervical resorption penetrating at the cementoenamel junction level from the mesio-lingual aspect. It approximates the pulp horn coronally within the lingual dentinal wall. Discussion: The treatment of the case involved debridement of the resorptive defect and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) was applied as a direct pulp capping, glass ionomer as a base, and the tooth was restored using composite resin restoration. After 6-months of follow-up, the radiographic examination showed healthy bone and periodontal structures with no evidence of periapical pathology. Conclusion: ECR is an aggressive and invasive lesion that acts silently, requiring early diagnosis and treatment for a successful outcome. The lesion size, location, and accessibility are the main factors affecting the successful treatment of ECR.

Influence of imaging modalities in treatment decision-making of external cervical resorption

Influence of imaging modalities in treatment decision-making of external cervical resorption

Current Status and Future Prospects In Managing Discoloured Teeth – A Review And Case Report

Tooth discoloration involves a wide range of treatment protocols for clinicians and patients in order to achieve an aesthetic result. Management of tooth discoloration may be interdisciplinary and involves both vital and nonvital teeth. Prosthodontic treatments are more invasive and involve loss of tooth structure as well as a life cycle of further treatment in the future.Vital teeth can be easily treated with low-concentration hydrogen peroxide products safely and effectively using an external approach and trays. For endodontically treated teeth, the walking bleach technique with hydrogen-releasing peroxide products is widespread. However, there is an association between external cervical root resorption with higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide of 30%–35%. In this article, a brief reviewof managing tooth discoloration and a case report of nonvital bleaching will be discussed.

Inactivation of Sufu in cementoblasts accelerates external tooth root resorption.

Cementum has been empirically regarded as an antiresorptive barrier against tooth roots. However, little is known about the factors of homeostasis and resistant mechanisms of tooth roots against resorption. Here, we investigated cementum factors and their interaction against resorption using transgenic mice exhibiting external cervical root resorption (ECRR). Ectopically thickened cervical cementum caused by functional inactivation of ectonucleotide pyrophosphotase/phosphodiesterase 1 (Enpp1) was susceptible to ECRR with aging. In addition, the inactivation of the suppressor of fused (Sufu), a Hedgehog signaling inhibitor, in cementoblasts led to ECRR. Interestingly, concurrent inactivation of Sufu and Enpp1 in cementoblasts remarkably exacerbated ECRR with higher Rankl expression. Cellular and molecular analyses using cementoblasts and bone marrow-derived macrophages indicated that Dickkopf-related protein 1 (Dkk1) induced by the inactivation of Sufu in cementoblasts has roles in the acceleration of ECRR triggered by Enpp1 inactivation. Using compound mutant mice for concurrent Wntless and Enpp1 inactivation, this synergistic cooperation of Dkk1 and Npp1 for resorption found in double mutant Sufu and Enpp1 mice was confirmed by the reproduction of amplified ECRR. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that proper Npp1 function and sustained Wnt activity in the cervical cementum are essential for the homeostasis of tooth roots against resorption in a physiological state.

Resistance to fracture of simulated external cervical resorption cavities repaired with different materials.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the fracture resistance (FR) of teeth with simulated external cervical resorption (ECR) cavities repaired with different materials. Following the shaping of the 80 human permanent maxillary central incisors, standard ECR cavities were prepared and restored with a nanohybrid composite resin; a high viscosity GIC Equia Forte Fill; Biodentine; Biodentine + nanohybrid composite resin; MTA BIOREP; MTA BIOREP + nanohybrid composite resin. Then, the root canals were obturated with AH Plus and gutta-percha. The roots were embedded acrylic resin blocks and fracture strength test was applied. The highest FR was observed in the Biodentine group, while the lowest was in Equia group (p < 0.05). No significant results were observed among composite, Biodentine + composite, MTA BIOREP + composite and MTA BIOREP (p > 0.05). Biodentine may be a preferable material for repairing ECR cavities. Adding a composite layer on MTA BIOREP and Biodentine did not improve the FR of these materials.