Occurrence of internal root resorption defects in anterior teeth with a history of concussion injury: A cross-sectional study among select adult North Indian dental patients

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of internal resorption (IR) defects in select adult North Indian population with a history of concussion injury to their anterior teeth. Material and Methods: The study population consisted of patients reporting with a history of concussion injury to their anterior teeth. At least two intraoral periapical radiographs, one at central and other at a 20° horizontal angulation, were taken for each of the affected teeth to check for any IR defect. The radiographs were inspected after placing them over a viewing box using magnifying glasses. Percentage of IR defects and their occurrence on the basis of tooth type, duration of trauma, gender, and side was assessed. Results: A total of 1507 patients reported with a history of a traumatic dental injury (TDI) to their anterior teeth. About 37.1% (560/1507) patients and 602 teeth with TDI had a history concussion injury. The percentage of patients with concussion injuries resulting in IR defect was 3.3% (19/560), and the percentage of teeth with IR defect was 3.16% (19/602). About 68.42% (13/19) were in males, and 31.58% (6/19) were in females; however, the difference was not statistically significant (χ² = 1.05, P = 0.590). Most of the patients reported with a history of TDI within 0–5 years back, and the median age at the time of presentation was 20 years. Maxillary left central incisor was most affected, 4.84% (9/186) followed by maxillary right central incisor 3.5% (7/200) mandibular left lateral incisor 3.85% (1/26), mandibular left central incisor 3.57% (1/28), and maxillary lateral incisor 1.52% (1/66). Out of the 19 IR defects, 15 (78.9%) were located in the root, four were located coronally (21.05%), out of which 2 had a pink-colored crown. Conclusion: Silent injuries such as concussion and subsequent IR can potentially weaken the tooth; therefore, follow-up of patients with a history of TDIs is vital to rule out any developing but obscure resorptive defects.