Papers of the Week

Pre-Eruptive Intracoronal Root Resorption (PEIR) is a rare yet significant phenomenon in which an abnormal, well-circumscribed, radiolucent area develops in the tooth prior to eruption. This case report outlines the treatment of a 12 year old Hispanic female who was referred for endodontic evaluation of tooth #31 and subsequently diagnosed with PEIR. The patient's chief complaint was recorded as "spontaneous pain" in the lower right quadrant of her jaw. Clinical examination revealed a partially erupted tooth #31 with no visible decay. Radiographic examination, including a CBCT scan, led to the detection of a radiolucent area surrounding the pulp chamber on the mesial aspect of tooth #31. Radiographically, the enamel appeared intact with no signs of perforation. Based on the clinical and radiographic evaluation, tooth #31 was determined to have PEIR, with the pulpal and periapical diagnosis of "Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis" and "Normal Apical Tissue," respectively. The Orthodontic consultation obtained for this patient recommended that tooth #31 be maintained at least until tooth #32 appeared in the oral cavity and could be used as a replacement. Therefore, a treatment plan involving vital pulp therapy (VPT) and gingivectomy was selected. During the procedure, granulation tissue was excavated and sent for histological evaluation, which concluded the presence of "granulation tissue with acute and chronic inflammation". No caries were detected. Following the procedure, the tooth was found to be asymptomatic with continued root development. A positive response to EPT was achieved after 3.5 years of follow up.