title: Scanning Electron Microscopy Evaluation of Dental Root Resorption Associated With Granuloma.
abstract: The inflammatory resorption of dental root apex (i.e., the process of removal of cementum and/or dentine through the activity of resorbing cells) may show different configurations and damage the apical root structure. As knowing the morphology of resorption areas of human teeth is essential for the success of endodontic treatments, we investigated the apical resorption by scanning electron microscopy, focusing on roots with granulomas. A total of 30 teeth (with penetrating carious lesions and chronic periapical lesions) were examined, the apical third of the roots were removed and analyzed to estimate periforaminal and foraminal resorption, shape and morphology of foramen resorption, centering of the periforaminal resorption area, and diameters of each apical foramen. Periforaminal resorption was present in all samples, whereas foraminal resorption was present in 92% of cases (mainly funnel shaped). Lacunae were observed in the foraminal resorption area with an average diameter of 35±14 μm. The major and minor diameters of the foramina in teeth with resorption were 443 and 313 μm, respectively (higher than in healthy teeth). This result indicates an expansion of the apical diameters caused by the pathology, which could encourage a different clinical instrumentation for these teeth.
authors.affiliation: 1Civil and Environmental Engineering Department,University of Perugia,UdR INSTM,Strada di Pentima 4,05100 Terni,Italy.
authors.forename: Manila
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chieruzzi
authors.affiliation: 2Faculty of Medicine and Surgery,University of Perugia,S. Andrea delle Fratte,06156 Perugia,Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pagano
authors.affiliation: 2Faculty of Medicine and Surgery,University of Perugia,S. Andrea delle Fratte,06156 Perugia,Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Carolis
authors.affiliation: 3Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery,University of Perugia,S. Andrea delle Fratte,06156 Perugia,Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eramo
authors.affiliation: 1Civil and Environmental Engineering Department,University of Perugia,UdR INSTM,Strada di Pentima 4,05100 Terni,Italy.
authors.forename: José M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kenny
mesh_terms: D006099:Granuloma / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000473:pathology*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000648:ultrastructure*
keywords: SEM; external root resorption; foramen morphology; granuloma; permanent teeth