Treating internal resorption using a syringeable composite resin.
BACKGROUND: Internal resorption is a pathological process initiated within the pulp space with the loss of dentin. It often is described as an oval shaped enlargement of the root canal space and usually is asymptomatic and detectable by routine radiographs. Treatment of internal resorption has included several materials--gutta-percha, zinc oxide eugenol and amalgam alloy. These materials do not provide strength to the tooth structure. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 29-year-old woman was referred to a dental clinic for treatment of a large internal resorptive defect in the coronal and middle one-third of the maxillary left central incisor root with no apparent periapical pathosis, as well as a large periapical radiolucency at the apex of the maxillary left lateral incisor that was associated with a necrotic pulp. The authors used a dual-cure syringable composite resin in conjunction with a bonding agent within the defect to treat it. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This technique seals the dentinal tubules and strengthens the remaining tooth structure. It also improves the outcome of resorptive defects and reduces operators' chair time.