Mineral trioxide aggregate in the treatment of external invasive resorption: a case report.

AIM: To describe the management of external invasive resorption using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

SUMMARY: External invasive root resorption may occur as a consequence of trauma, orthodontic treatment, intracoronal bleaching and surgical procedures, and may lead to the progressive and destructive loss of tooth structure. Depending on the extent of the resorptive process, different treatment regimens have been proposed. A 19-year-old male patient presented with tooth 11 (FDI) showing signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis, external invasive resorption and periodontal pocket on the disto-palatal. After root canal treatment, the defect was accessed coronally. The resorption area was chemo-mechanically debrided using ultrasonic tips and irrigant solution. MTA was used to fill the resorptive defect, and the coronal access was temporarily sealed. The definitive coronal restoration was performed after 3 days. Radiographs at 1, 2 and 4 years showed adequate repair of the resorption and endodontic success. Clinically, the tooth was asymptomatic, and no periodontal pocket was found.

KEY LEARNING POINTS: *Mineral trioxide aggregate was successfully used to restore a small area of external invasive resorption. *A coronal approach can sometimes be successfully used in order to avoid surgery and periodontal complications.