Surgical Management of an Inflammatory External Root Resorptive Defect Using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate - A Case Report

Root resorption is a pathological process which tends to occur following a wide range of mechanical or chemical stimuli such as infection, pressure, trauma or orthodontic tooth movement. Although it is predominantly detected by radiography, in some cases root resorption may be identified by clinical symptoms i. e. pain, swelling and mobility of the tooth. Treatment alternatives are case dependent and aim at the removal of the cause and the regeneration of the resorptive lesion. This case report describes the diagnosis and treatment of an inflammatory external root resorptive (IERR) defect in relation to 21 of a 52 year old male patient. Following endodontic re-treatment, the resorption was subsequently sealed surgically with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). The six month follow-up demonstrated no pathologic changes on clinical and radiographic examination.