Multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption: systematic review and report of four cases

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to report four cases of multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption and to systematically review the literature on this condition. Methods:The clinical and radiographic findings and the medical/dental histories of four patients who presented with multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption were recorded. Additionally, 10 references from the literature that reported on 14 patients were reviewed. Results: Multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption was an incidental finding on routine clinical and radiographic examination. There appeared to be no correlation between this type of resorption and any medical/dental finding. Radiographically, multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption was found to begin at the cemento-enamel junction and then either progress to involve the entire cervical region or, at some point, spontaneously arrest. Those cases that progressed to involve the entire cervical region required extraction. The number of teeth that demonstrated this condition ranged from 5 to 24 per patient. More teeth became involved as the condition was followed in time. There was no detectable frequency of occurrence for any particular dental region or tooth among the involved teeth. Of a total of 18 patients, 13 were females whose ages ranged from 7 years to 68 years. Ten of the 18 patients were Caucasian. Conclusions: Multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption was found most frequently associated with younger females. This condition appeared to be of unknown aetiology and uncertain natural history.