Bone resorption

Bone resorption (Latin resorptio ossis) is a pathological process of destruction and loss of mineral and organic mass of bone tissue under the action of specialized cells – osteoclasts.

In endodontics, this term usually refers to localized bone loss in the root apex area (periapical area). In periodontics, the term more commonly describes the destruction of bone tissue of the interdental or inter-root partitions.

Etiology and pathophysiology

The presence of bacteria and their toxins in the root canal triggers a chronic immune system response. The body activates osteoclasts, which destroy the bone, making way for the formation of an apical granuloma or cyst. This creates a protective barrier between the focus of infection in the tooth and the healthy bone of the jaw.

Clinical significance

On the radiograph, bone resorption is visualized as a focus of lucency (dark spot) with clear or blurred contours. An important feature of apical resorption is its reversibility: after removal of biofilm and filling of root canals, the destroyed bone is restored over time, which is a sign of healing.