Internal inflammatory resorption - Diagnosis

Internal inflammatory resorption is the only resorption that starts inside the root canal. It is usually asymptomatic. In the initial stages the coronal part of the pulp is partly or totally necrotic, while the pulp apical to the resorption is vital and inflamed. At the time of diagnosis, however, the whole pulp may be necrotic. If untreated, internal resorption usually eventually perforates the root surface, unless the pulp becomes necrotic first.

Internal resorption is usually diagnosed radiographically. A typical widening, often symmetrical, of the root canal space is seen. Large internal resorptions at the cervical area of the tooth can also be detected clinically by a reddish discolouration of the dental hard tissues.