Characteristics and treatment of invasive cervical resorption in vital teeth. A narrative review and a report of two cases.

Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a significant defect of the root surface where the hard dental tissues are undermined and become translucent due to the resorptive granulomatous tissue. It is mainly detected on radiographs. The radiographic appearance of ICR is asymmetrical radiolucency with irregular margins and an unchanged root canal. The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive review together with the characteristics and the treatment of ICR through two cases which were followed-up for 36 months. In both cases the teeth were vital and the management consisted of raising a flap, granulomatous tissue removal, thorough debridement, restoration of the resorptive defect by placing a suitable filling material and follow-up examinations. Our results indicate that the specific treatment protocol has very positive outcomes. After 36 months pulpal vitality tests revealed a healthy pulp, and clinical and radiographic examination confirmed a stable periodontal condition.