Cervical resorption - Diagnosis

Cervical resorption is a resorptive process that starts at the cervical area of the tooth apical to the junctional epithelium. In cervical resorption mineralised cementum and dentine are resorbed by osteoclast-like cells. Resorption can proceed apically or coronally or in both directions.

Cervical resorption is diagnosed by a combined clinical and radiographic examination. Clinically a reddish colour intensifying towards the gingival margin may be seen. Probing of the lesion is usually difficult. Cervical resorption does not usually penetrate to the pulp because of the thin unmineralised predentine layer that is resistant to resorption. Radiographically, loss of dental hard tissue is seen close to the cervical area, but the relationship to the cemento-enamel junction is dependent on the bone height and pocket depth.

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