Bone Resorption

Bone resorption (Latin resorptio ossis) is a pathological process involving the destruction and loss of mineral and organic bone tissue driven by the specialized cells, osteoclasts.

In endodontics, it typically refers to the localized loss of bone tissue in the root apex area (periapical area). In periodontology, this term more often describes the destruction of bone tissue in inter-dental or inter-radicular septa.

Etiology and pathophysiology

The presence of bacteria and their toxins in the root canal elicits a chronic immune response. The body activates osteoclasts, which destroy bone, creating space for the formation of an apical granuloma or cyst. Thus, a protective barrier is created between the infection site in the tooth and the healthy jawbone.

Clinical significance

On an X-ray, bone resorption appears as an area of radiolucency (a dark spot) with defined or blurred contours. A significant feature of apical resorption is its reversibility: after biofilm removal and root canal filling, the destroyed bone gradually regenerates, indicating healing.