The response of the dento-alveolar apparatus to
infection is characterized by inflammation which may
result in tooth resorption. This may be a consequence
of infective endodontic pathosis alone or superimposed
on trauma induced resorption. These infection induced
resorptions, which are generally termed inflammatory
root resorptions, may occur as internal resorptions,
external resorptions or combined internal-external
lesions. These infection induced resorptions can vary
widely in complexity but will generally respond
favourably to therapy aimed primarily at removing the
infective agent. Additional impetus to resorption
control can be provided by the use of anti-clastic
therapeutic agents such as Ledermix Paste (Lederle
Pharmaceuticals Wolfratshausen Germany) used as
intra-canal medicaments. Other materials such as
calcium hydroxide or ProRoot MTA (Dentsply Tulsa
Dental, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA) can also be used
to stimulate hard tissue formation on resorbed root
surfaces.