Pre-Eruptive Intracoronal Resorption: The Hidden Truth

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of pre-eruptive intra-coronal resorption (PEIR) in unerupted permanent teeth using a whole slew of panoramic radiographs of Chennai residents. Design: Orthopantomograph (OPG) of 4700 patients from different parts of Chennai were retrospectively screened in the present study. Evaluation of patient details and OPG screening were done. Evaluation was based on the following dossier: age, sex, number of unerupted teeth, number of teeth showing PEIR defects, affected tooth type and number of PEIR in each radiograph. Results: In total, 3568 OPG's had at least one unerupted tooth in 4700 patients, with a pervasiveness of 75.9%. Of the 3568 patients screened, 2103 were male and 1465 were female. Intra-coronal resorption was observed in 20 of 3568 subjects. The age groups ranged between 4 -15 years. Conclusion: PEIR defects were observed in 20 OPG's. Early diagnosis of PEIR and its enhanced awareness helps in proper treatment planning of the affected teeth.