Preeruptive intracoronal resorption: A cone-beam computed tomography study

Abstract

Introduction: Preeruptive intracoronal resorption (PEIR) is described as the cavitation of intracoronal dentin just below the dentinoenamel junction in the coronal portion of an unerupted tooth. The aim of this study was to analyze cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of teeth affected by PEIR and report the radiographic findings. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 26 CBCT scans including 33 PEIR-affected teeth were evaluated. The following data were documented: age, sex, affected tooth, presence and location of enamel/cementum disruption, lesion extension, radiographic distance of lesion to the pulp, pericoronal radiolucency, and periapical radiolucency. Results: Third molars were the primary teeth affected (88%). A radiographic disruption of the external surface of the tooth was noted in all cases. Disruption of the enamel only was observed in 29 cases, followed by disruption of enamel and cementum in two cases, and disruption of the cementum only in two cases. Twenty-one cases (64%) showed lesions extending to or above the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), and 12 cases (36%) displayed lesions extending below the CEJ. In 21 cases, the lesion progressed close to the root canal system, leaving <1 mm of dentin. However, due to the limitations of CBCT imaging, resorptive pulpal exposure could not be accurately determined. One case exhibited a pericoronal radiolucency, whereas none of the 33 cases displayed signs of a periapical radiolucency. Conclusion: These data suggest that PEIR is a form of external resorption. CBCT is a viable tool for the identification of cases with PEIR, and for determining the extent of the resorptive defect.