Multiple idiopathic root resorption: a case report and literature review

To explore the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of multiple idiopathic root resorption to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

The clinical data of a case of multiple idiopathic root resorption were analyzed retrospectively, and the related literature was reviewed.

The patient had no history of orthodontic correction, occlusal trauma, trauma history or other causes of root resorption. Clinical examination revealed full-mouth gingival congestion, redness, a loose texture, and variable degrees of destruction of the alveolar bone. Imaging examination showed that teeth 13, 16, 26, 36, 46 had idiopathic root resorption. The diagnoses were multiple idiopathic root resorption and periodontitis. The pathology tests showed that a large number of osteoclasts were present in the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. Whole-exome sequencing showed that there was a strong correlation between gene mutations (WNT7a and HSPG2) and the present phenotype. Root resorption of teeth without periodontitis was stopped after periodontal treatment during the 19-month follow-up. Tooth 13 was removed, and extraction socket preservation was performed. The etiology of idiopathic root resorption may be related to gene mutations, but it is not clear. At present, there is no effective treatment.

Multiple idiopathic root resorption has an unknown etiology, but it may be related to WNT7A and HSPG2 gene mutations. The rate of root resorption can be slowed by controlling periodontal inflammation.