What does “Internal root resorption” mean?
Internal resorption is the loss of the hard tissue of the tooth inside the pulp space. It must be distinguished from external resorption, which begins outside the tooth.
How do I find it?
Because the symptoms are not obvious, it may be discovered through imaging tests. The location and extent of the area where the pulp space has expanded is examined, and if necessary, confirmed with additional images.
What determines treatment?
Check for progress, remaining tooth tissue, and whether the hole has penetrated to the outside. In inflammatory internal resorption, root canal treatment to address the causative pulp tissue is reviewed.
Does resorbed tissue grow back?
Lost hard tissue does not return to its original state. The goal is to address the cause of progression and evaluate whether remaining structures can be preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
If it doesn’t hurt, can I just watch it?
Even if there are no symptoms, the progress and thickness of the tooth wall should be checked. A treatment/observation plan is determined through imaging and pulp examination.
Are internal resorption and tooth decay the same?
Tooth decay is damage caused by acids produced by bacteria. Internal resorption is loss of hard tissue through the action of resorbing cells inside the tooth. The causes and starting locations differ, so treatment approaches also differ.
Questions to help you understand internal resorption
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Did the resorption begin inside the tooth?
Explanation and evidenceConfirm the relationship between the lesion and the root canal on the image to distinguish it from external resorption.
American Association of Endodontists · Differentiating Resorption - A choice suited to your condition
What about the remaining tooth walls and whether they are perforated?
Explanation and evidenceReceive an explanation of how the extent of the defect affects preservation and restoration planning.
American Association of Endodontists · Differentiating Resorption
