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Review
. 2022 Aug;38(4):253-266.
doi: 10.1111/edt.12757. Epub 2022 May 12.

Tooth Resorption - Part 1: The evolvement, rationales and controversies of tooth resorption

Shaul Lin  1   2   3 , Daniel Moreinos  4   5 , Arieh Y Kaufman  6 , Paul V Abbott  7
Affiliations
Review

Tooth Resorption - Part 1: The evolvement, rationales and controversies of tooth resorption

Shaul Lin et al. Dent Traumatol. 2022 Aug.

Abstract

In 1966, Andreasen and Hjørting-Hansen were the first to describe a relationship between tooth resorption and dental trauma. However, Andreasen's original classification did not include other resorptive processes which have since been identified. Numerous articles have been published suggesting new terminology and definitions for tooth resorption. A uniform language with universally accepted terminology is crucial to eliminate the multiplicity of terms and definitions which only cause confusion within the profession. An electronic literature search was carried out in the PubMed database using the following keywords for articles published in English: "root resorption," "inflammatory root resorption," "replacement resorption," "cervical resorption," "trauma," "ankylosis," "surface resorption," and "internal resorption." The search also included textbooks and glossaries that may not have surfaced in the online search. This was done to identify articles related to tooth resorption and its etiology in dentistry. The aim of this review was to present the history that has led to the variety of terms and definitions for resorption. This review emphasizes the need for a clearer, simpler, and more comprehensive nomenclature for the various types of tooth resorption which are presented in Part 2 of this series.

Keywords: dental trauma; inflammatory root resorption; replacement resorption; surface resorption.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in this study.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
(A) Diagrammatic representation of ankylosis with external replacement resorption (reproduced with permission from Fuss et al. 21 ). (B) Radiographically, ankylosis is recognized by the lack of lamina dura and PDL while external replacement resorption is characterized by loos of tooth structure which is replaced by bone. This radiograph demonstrates a case of extensive ankylosis and replacement resorption of tooth 21 18 months after the tooth had been avulsed, kept dry for 2 h and then replanted
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
(A) Diagrammatic representation of external inflammatory resorption (reproduced with permission from Fuss et al. 21 ). (B) Radiographically, external inflammatory resorption is characterized by radiolucencies within both the root and the adjacent bone. This radiograph demonstrates a case of very advanced and extensive external inflammatory resorption 1 year following avulsion and replantation of tooth 21. Root canal treatment was not initiated earlier because the patient did not return for the recommended regular review appointments
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Letter to the Editor.
    Heithersay GS. Heithersay GS. Dent Traumatol. 2022 Oct;38(5):448. doi: 10.1111/edt.12780. Epub 2022 Aug 11. Dent Traumatol. 2022. PMID: 35950936 No abstract available.

References

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    1. Andreasen JO, Hjorting‐Hansen E. Replantation of teeth. II. Histological study of 22 replanted anterior teeth in humans. Acta Odontol Scand. 1966;24:287–306. - PubMed
    1. Andreasen JO. Periodontal healing after replantation of traumatically avulsed human teeth: assessment by mobility testing and radiography. Acta Odontol Scand. 1975;33:325–35.