External inflammatory resorption - Diagnosis

External inflammatory root resorption is a typical complication after certain types of luxation injuries, in particular intrusion. The resorption is diagnosed radiographically by the disappearance of the PDL, resorption of tooth hard tissue from the surface towards the root canal, and inflammatory changes in the bone. The resorption often involves large areas of the root surface. Clinically, the pulp is necrotic and infected, and the tooth does not respond to sensibility testing. In intrusion, the tooth responds with a metallic sound when percussed with a mirror handle.

Of all the various root resorptions, external inflammatory root resorption is the one that shows the most rapid progression. If left untreated, the resorption can destroy the whole tooth in just a few weeks or even less.