Abstract
Introduction
External inflammatory resorption (EIR) following dental trauma is often caused by an injury to the lining of the cementoblasts and to the non-mineralized tissues (i.e., precementum) covering the root surface. Although EIR frequently occurs apically, it can also develop on the lateral root surfaces, which is termed external inflammatory lateral resorption (EILR). ELIR is a severe complication that can lead to significant root loss and tooth extraction.
Aim
The aim of this project was to review the current evidence in the literature on regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) for ELIR following traumatic injuries and assess the best treatment practices.
Methodology
Publications appearing in PubMed electronic database, from January 1, 2001 to January 9, 2022 were studied. Inclusion criteria were: (a) Publications in the English language; (b) Publications on regenerative endodontic therapy and ELIR; (c) Teeth subjected to dental trauma; and (d) Presence of intracanal bleeding and blood clots. Exclusion criteria were: (a) Conference proceedings; (b) Lectures; (c) Abstracts and (d) Letters to the editor; (e) Publications not in the English language. Additionally, a manual search was conducted. The data collected was analysed, and a descriptive statistical analysis was performed.
Results
A total of 355 publications were analysed, of which 9 met all inclusion criteria, which comprised of case reports and case series studies. In 10 (58.8%) teeth, Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP) was used for an average of 26 days. Double Antibiotic Paste (DAP) was used in 3 (17.6 %) teeth for an average of 14 days. In 3 (17.6 %) cases, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) was used as intracanal medication for 14 days and negative pressure irrigation was applied once on 1 (6 %) tooth.
Conclusions
RET demonstrated a good treatment modality producing biologic repair and improving prognosis in cases of ELIR in post-traumatic tooth/pulp injuries. Hence, a meticulous follow up should be conducted when RET is performed in order to identify treatment failure and substitute it with long-term Ca(OH)2 root canal dressing. The key limitation in our review is that all publications included were either case reports or case series that usually tend to report successful outcome.
