Imaging techniques and various treatment modalities used in the management of internal root resorption: A systematic review

Aim: The objective is to systematically evaluate and compare the most commonly used treatment modalities, materials, and imaging techniques used in the diagnosis of internal root resorption (IRR). Methods: This review was done with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A search strategy of the literature was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and manual search library resources and MeSH terms were carried out from September 2009 to July 2022 and articles in English or those having detailed summaries in English were included. Duplicates were removed manually. Case reports/series which discussed imaging techniques and treatment modalities used for IRR were included. Preliminary screening consisted of 230 articles that were identified through the database searching. After a thorough screening of 230 articles, 25 unique articles were synthesized in this systematic review. Quality assessment of the case reports selected was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool. Results: Case reports/series which discussed imaging techniques and treatment modalities used for IRR were included. It is clear from the chronology in these articles that although cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) might not have been the diagnostic aid of choice earlier, it certainly was the go-to for all the cases treated in the past 5 years. Furthermore, there was seen a range of management from surgical to nonsurgical depending on the lesion being perforating or confined to the root. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was used by most except one case where regenerative endodontic therapy was executed and in one Biodentine was used to fill the defect. Conclusion: Based on the case reports evaluated in this systematic review, it would be safe to conclude that: 1. CBCT would give the most detailed image of the lesion and its extent at the diagnostic stage. 2. MTA would be a good material to repair the defect arising in the radicular space from IRR. 3. Intra-oral radiographs could be used in the follow-up visits to check on the success of the treatment rendered.