Oral Pathology
Shilpa D. Joshi, DMD, MA
Pediatric Dental Resident
Case Western Reserve University — UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Margaret Ferretti, DMD
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University- University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital
cleveland, Ohio, United States
Gerald A. Ferretti, DDS, MS, MPH
Program Director
Case Western Reserve University - UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Internal root resorption (IRR) is a physiological or pathological process that results in the loss of dentin, cementum, and/or alveolar bone sometimes resulting in a “pinkish hue” of the dentition. IRR progresses more rapidly in primary dentition despite no apparent clinical or morphological differences from the permanent dentition. An eight year-old female presented to UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Pediatric Dental Clinic for hygiene recall in January 2021. Radiographic comparison from 2018 and 2021 reveal premature loss of primary teeth and a pattern of generalized internal root resorption with more severely affected teeth exhibiting perforations with bone deposition. Referrals to UH Genetics and an Oral Pathologist were made. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary involving general dentists, pediatric dentists, endodontists, prosthodontists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists. Early diagnosis for pediatric patients with IRR is key in optimal treatment which includes pain management, prevention, stabilization, restoration of the dentition and regular maintenance.