Implants and Complications of Cervical Root Resorption - a Case Report

Invasive cervical root resorption frequently results in the loss of the affected tooth, which can come at a considerable functional and aesthetic cost to the patient. Many of these cases are now treated with implant replacement which involves further surgical and financial costs. Numerous papers reporting on cervical root resorption have looked at the possible aetiology of Multiple Idiopathic Cervical Root Resorption (MICRR), a term which is used when no previously identified aetiological factor can be determined. A detailed literature review by Liang et al (2003) of the reported cases of MICRR failed to identify a common cause and the exact aetiology remains unclear. This paper reports on the management of a case of MICRR, which involved implant replacement for two of the affected teeth. Removal of the resorbing area and root filling one adjacent tooth proved successful in preventing its loss. This case highlights the importance of close clinical and radiographic follow up of these patients.