Etiopathogenesis of Root Resorption - A Brief Review

Abstract

Under normal conditions permanent teeth do not resorb. Pathological stimulus like trauma and infections leads to immune-inflammatory process in roots of permanent teeth leading to resorption. These pathological stimuli damage the protective layers in the dentine and periodontal ligaments. Pathological process continues and leads to compromised blood supply causing cementoblast destruction and necrosis. There is activation of multinucleated odontoclasts which are similar to osteoclast leading to root resorption. Various molecular and cellular pathways initiate and progress the resorption. Several local and systemic factors are involved. Some of the factors which act as stimulators or inhibitors of root resorption are RANKL/RANK/ OPG, Interleukins, Bacterial lipopolysaccharides, Macrophages, parathormone, oestrogen etc. This article presents a review of physiologic protective and homeostatic mechanisms involved in protection of root resorption. This article also includes a brief overview of development of odontoclasts and RANK/RANLK/OPG system. This review briefly discusses about the pathogenesis of root resorption so as to provide direction in the future laboratory and clinical research to fill in the knowledge gaps.