Vulnerability of third molars to internal resorption: two case reports of in situ and transplanted third molars
Florian Pfaffeneder-Mantai, Pascal Grün, Lucas Jehle, Flora Turhani, Marius Meier, Dritan TurhaniIntroduction and importance:
Internal tooth resorption is a rare, inflammation-mediated pathological process that is most often detected incidentally. Third molars appear to be disproportionately affected, possibly due to their anatomical and developmental characteristics. Reports comparing internal resorption of third molars
Presentation of the case:
This case series presents two uncommon clinical scenarios involving internal resorption of third molars. The first case describes simultaneous internal resorption affecting three third molars
Clinical discussion:
The presented cases support the hypothesis of an intrinsic vulnerability in third molars to pulpal resorptive processes. Large pulp chambers, thin dentinal walls, delayed eruption, chronic low-grade inflammation, and cumulative biological stressors may contribute to odontoclastic activation. While autologous third molar transplantation can provide excellent long-term outcomes, late complications such as internal resorption may still arise after prolonged asymptomatic periods.
Conclusion:
Third molars may be particularly susceptible to internal resorption, both