ROOT RESORPTION OF PRIMARY TEETH WITHOUT PERMANENT SUCCESSORS

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Journal of the Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 2009;36(4):625-630.
Published online November 30, 2009.

ROOT RESORPTION OF PRIMARY TEETH WITHOUT PERMANENT SUCCESSORS

연세대학교 치과대학 소아치과학교실, 구강과학연구소

계승영구치가 선천적 결손된 유치의 치근 흡수

송제선, 이제호, 최형준, 김성오, 송제선, 손흥규, 최병재

연세대학교 치과대학 소아치과학교실, 구강과학연구소

Correspondence: ,

Received: 10 June 2009 • Accepted: 12 November 2009

Abstract

Root resorption of primary teeth usually occurs as the succeeding permanent teeth erupt, which induces differentiation of the hemopoietic cells into osteoclasts. Their root resorption pattern reflects the eruption path of the succeeding permanent teeth, and eventually the primary teeth shed as their succeeding permanent teeth erupt. Even when a permanent tooth germ is congenitally missing, root resorption of the corresponding primary tooth may still occur due to various factors, such as inflammation, traumatic occlusal force, and weakness of periodontium etc. Such congenital missing of permanent teeth is a commonly observed phenomenon in human be ing, and it often accompanies delayed retention of primary teeth. The etiologic factors for congenital missing in elude not only systemic diseases, but also local factors and human evolution process. In the radiographs of the cases in this report, the primary teeth without succeeding permanent teeth show pathologic root resorption. Root resorption progressed about 1/2~3/4 of the roots, and the surfaces of the resorption area were irregular. Considering high susceptibility of the periodontal ligament of primary teeth to root resorption, pathologic root resorption of primary teeth with delayed retention can be explained by the increased masticatory muscle force and abnormal occlusion developed during the mixed dentition. When the primary teeth without succeeding permanent teeth are lost, decision for space maintenance is required and long-term treatment plan for further prosthetic or orthodontic treatment should be establsihed.

Key Words: Root resorption, Primary tooth, Permanent successor, Congenital missing