From a treatment management point of view, the
simplest form of trauma induced (non-infective)
resorption is surface resorption which, as the name
suggests, is a shallow resorption of cementum often
with involvement of a small amount of underlying
dentine. This type of resorption is self-limiting and
transient and can follow some traumatic injuries or
orthodontic treatment. In the absence of superimposed
infection, usually in the root canal, surface resorption
as shown in the scanning electron micrograph in Fig 2
will heal uneventfully with reparative cementum as
shown histologically in Fig 3. Clinically, surface
resorption may be difficult to observe radiographically
as there may be no or only slight changes in the root
morphology and the image of the periodontal membrane
and associated lamina dura remains intact with no
signs of any associated root or bony radiolucency. An
example of the slight change in root contour following
healing of surface resorption is demonstrated in
Fig 4 which shows a maxillary right central incisor of
an eight year old female which was repositioned within
30 minutes of its intrusion. Because of the immature
root development the tooth was not endodontically
treated but monitored closely for evidence of
revascularization which was demonstrated by
progressive root canal narrowing due to reparative
dentine deposition.