• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.625-630
• /
• 2009

Root resorption of primary teeth usually occurs as the succeeding permanent teeth erupt, which induces differentiation of the hemopoietic cells into osteoclasts. Their root resorption pattern reflects the eruption path of the succeeding permanent teeth, and eventually the primary teeth shed as their succeeding permanent teeth erupt. Even when a permanent tooth germ is congenitally missing, root resorption of the corresponding primary tooth may still occur due to various factors, such as inflammation, traumatic occlusal force, and weakness of periodontium etc. Such congenital missing of permanent teeth is a commonly observed phenomenon in human be ing, and it often accompanies delayed retention of primary teeth. The etiologic factors for congenital missing in elude not only systemic diseases, but also local factors and human evolution process. In the radiographs of the cases in this report, the primary teeth without succeeding permanent teeth show pathologic root resorption. Root resorption progressed about 1/2~3/4 of the roots, and the surfaces of the resorption area were irregular. Considering high susceptibility of the periodontal ligament of primary teeth to root resorption, pathologic root resorption of primary teeth with delayed retention can be explained by the increased masticatory muscle force and abnormal occlusion developed during the mixed dentition. When the primary teeth without succeeding permanent teeth are lost, decision for space maintenance is required and long-term treatment plan for further prosthetic or orthodontic treatment should be establsihed.