Vanishing roots: first case report of idiopathic multiple cervico-apical external root resorption

Abstract

Idiopathic root resorption is a very rare phenomenon. Resorption in tooth is brought about by odontoclastic activity. Special mechanisms in the periodontal ligament exist to prevent mineralization of the periodontal ligament and these periodontal ligament cells produce factors that inhibit mineralized tissue resorption and are capable of regulating bone and cementum formation. When this mechanism is disturbed it manifests in resorption of root structure. This case report is of a 28-year-old male with a very rare phenomenon where external resorption of both cervical and apical portion of root of multiple teeth was observed and it is documented for the first time.

Keywords: Multiple external root resorption; Periodontal ligament; Permanent teeth.

[Table/Fig-1]:

Showing the partially edentulous maxilla and mandible along with the gingival enlargement

[Table/Fig-2]:

Showing the extent of mobility of 12

[Table/Fig-3]:

Showing the normal morphology of crowns of the maxillary teeth

[Table/Fig-4]:

Showing the normal morphology of crowns of the mandibular teeth

[Table/Fig-5]:

Intraoral periapical radiograph showing complete root resorption in relation to 11 and 12

[Table/Fig-6]:

Intraoral periapical radiograph showing complete root resorption in relation to 41 and 42

[Table/Fig-7]:

Intraoral periapical radiograph showing cervical resorbtion in relation to 15 and apical root resorption of mesial and distal roots in relation to 16. Loss of PDL space in 17 can be appreciated

[Table/Fig-8]:

Intraoral periapical radiograph showing cervical resorption in relation to 33, 34, resorption in both cervical and apical region in relation to 35,36

[Table/Fig-9]:

Intraoral periapical radiograph showing cervical and apical resorption in relation to 24, 25 and apical resorption in relation to 26

[Table/Fig-10]:

Intraoral periapical radiograph showing cervical and apical resorption in relation to 35, 36 and apical resorption in relation to 37

[Table/Fig-11]:

Intraoral periapical radiograph showing cervical and apical resorption in relation to 46, 47 and 48

[Table/Fig-12]:

Intraoral periapical radiograph showing cervical resorption in relation to 43, 44 and 45

[Table/Fig-13]:

Orthopantomograph

[Table/Fig-14]:

Lateral view of skull showing no osteogenic changes

[Table/Fig-15]:

Histological examination of extracted mobile teeth showing striae of Retzius, dentinal tubules and interglobular dentin with an area resembling dead tract

[Table/Fig-16]:

Showing the resorption of the roots of the extracted teeth in relation to 12, 41 and 42

[Table/Fig-17]:

Showing the ground section of the extracted tooth specimen