Treatment of a perforating inflammatory external root resorption with mineral trioxide aggregate and histologic examination after extraction.

Introduction: Inflammatory external root resorption (IERR) requires damage or loss of the protective layer and an inflammatory process in the unprotected root surface. Infection of the pulp space can occur after a serious injury and stimulate an inflammatory response. When the inflammatory stimulus is long-standing, the destructive phase will continue until the stimulation is removed.

Methods: This article describes the use of cone-beam computed tomography scanning in the diagnosis and management of a perforating IERR in tooth #10 with a 17-month follow-up and histologic examination after extraction for orthodontic reasons.

Results: The histologic examination showed a cementum-like tissue interposed within the dentin defect. The cementum-like tissue was eosinophilic and irregular or poorly demarcated in some parts. Fibrous ligament tissue and no inflammatory response could be identified.

Conclusions: Mineral trioxide aggregate was shown to be suitable for the treatment of perforating IERR, and this finding agrees with the results observed in different studies conducted with animals.