In this month’s Root of the Problem, Kreena Patel covers external cervical resorption, how to diagnose it and how to treat it.
External cervical resorption is a pathological resorption.
It initiates on the external aspect of the root, immediately below the gingival epithelial attachment. It is therefore most often found in the cervical region.
The literature states that external cervical resorption is relatively uncommon.
However, many endodontists notice it is becoming a more frequent finding.
It is difficult to know if this is due to the disease becoming more prevalent or because of better diagnosis by our dental community.
Resorption initiation
The external surface of the root is surrounded by a protective layer called precementum. Damage to this layer allows resorptive cells (odontoclasts) to penetrate the root.
The portal of entrance into the root can range in size from pinpoint to a much larger defect.
Once the odontoclasts have penetrated … Read the rest
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