Non-Surgical Management of an Anterior Tooth with Internal Inflammatory Resorption: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: According to the Glossary of the American Association of Endodontists, resorption is defined
as a condition associated with either a physiologic or a pathologic process resulting in the loss of dentin,
cementum, or bone. It may present internally (pulpal origin) or externally (periodontal origin). Internal
resorption is a rare, insidious, resorptive pathological process, starting from the pulp extending into the
surrounding dentin. Treatment is mainly focused on arresting the cellular activity accounting for the
resorptive process.
Methodology: A patient presented with an upper front tooth that was tender on percussion and a history of
trauma in her childhood which resulted in Ellis class II fracture of the tooth. Pulp sensibility testing showed
a negative response suggestive of a non-vital tooth. A non-surgical endodontic therapy was carried out under
the microscope with calcium hydroxide dressings followed by the three-dimensional obturation technique
using thermoplasticized Gutta percha.
Conclusion: The current case report discusses the etiology and symptoms of internal inflammatory
resorption, the contribution of cone beam computed tomography imaging in its diagnosis, and a step wise
protocol for the three dimensional obturation of the resorptive lesion.