Repair of a perforating internal resorption: two case reports

Internal resorption is a rare condition in permanent teeth, and may result from trauma, caries, or restorative procedures. Internal resorption is usually asymptomatic and is first identified as a round-shaped enlargement of a root-canal space on routine radiographs. Large resorption defects may result in penetration of the tooth into the periodontium through the cementum. The gold-standard treatment consists of debridement and obturation of the pulp space, sealing of the external communication, and restoration of the normal function of the tooth through a nonsurgical or surgical method. In this case presentation, we report on two methods for repair of internal resorption with perforation. The first method consisted of treating the lower right second premolar by conventional endodontic therapy under a microscope, followed by repair with mineral trioxide aggregate. The second method consisted of surgical treatment of the upper right central incisor. The choice of treatment depends on the size of the perforation, its location, and the ability to approach it for repair.