Multiple idiopathic apical external root resorption: review of literature data

Abstract

Introduction. Domestic literature characterized with deficiency of publications regarding prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of multiple idiopathic external apical root resorption, on the other hand in the foreign literature, according to the data available for analysis, only one systematic review and a small number literature reviews dedicated to this topic were verified, while the predominant share of information presented in the form of clinical case reports. Objective. To systematize data regarding distribution and prevalence, clinical manifestations, and treatment approaches of multiple idiopathic external apical root resorption. Methodology/Methods. The primary identification of publications associated with the purpose of this study was carried out in the PubMed database (NCBI) (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) using the following search descriptor: "multiple[All Fields] AND idiopathic[ All Fields] AND external[All Fields] AND apical[All Fields] AND ("root resorption"[MeSH Terms] OR ("root"[All Fields] AND "resorption"[All Fields]) OR "root resorption"[All Fields] Fields])". Results and Discussion. The most typical characteristics of multiple idiopathic external apical root resorption include: absence of clinical signs of periodontal tissues damage; the level of bone tissue in the area of affected teeth can be characterized by the normal values; absence of periradicular area inflammation signs; the possibility of pathology verification both in the area of vital and endodontically treated teeth; absence of local etiological factors; asymptomatic course, except for cases of severe forms of pathology; bilateral symmetrical pattern of development. Conclusions. Multiple idiopathic apical root resorption is a diagnosis of exclusion. The course of idiopathic external apical multiple resorption is usually asymptomatic, so the identification of the disease takes place during X-ray examinations. In the course of previous studies, sufficient evidences were not identified regarding the relationship between hidden pulpal lesions and the development of multiple idiopathic apical root resorption, so endodontic treatment is not recommended for clinical cases of the above mentioned disorder if pulpitis or periodontitis symptoms are absent. Data from individual publications indicate a genetic predisposition to the development of multiple idiopathic apical root resorption, based on the results of pathology verification among family members and among monozygotic twins.