Use of a lower concentration of trichloroacetic acid to manage invasive cervical resorption: a case report

Following a definitive diagnosis, management of invasive cervical resorption (ICR) usually requires multiple steps to eliminate this pathosis. These may include the surgical isolation of the defect and removal of the fibrous, clastic cellular-based resorptive tissue, use of a high concentration of an escharotic agent to eliminate resorptive channels of the invasive pathosis that burrow deeply into the tooth structure, root canal treatment and a proper restoration, using a biocompatible resin-based material. This approach has been shown to be widely acceptable in many cases of ICR. The effectiveness of eliminating the invasive process depends greatly on the safe and judicious use of the escharotic agent, namely 90% trichloroacetic acid, which may also cause damage to the adjacent healthy tissue if not used properly. This case report addresses the use of a lower concentration of trichloroacetic acid in an attempt to safeguard the adjacent tissues in the presence of a significant ICR defect, with a positive outcome being noted. Keywords: clastic cellular tissue, invasive root resorption, root canal treatment, trichloroacetic acid