Pressure Root Resorption of the Second Molar Caused by Third Molar Impaction: A Case Report of Severely Resorbed Root with Vital Pulp

Pressure root resorption can be observed during the eruption of permanent dentition, especially of the maxillary canines (affecting lateral incisors) and mandibular third molars (affecting mandibular second molars). Since the cause of root resorption of the adjacent affected teeth is evident, treatment simply involves extraction of the impacted tooth. However, there have been few reports on the prognosis of the remaining resorbed tooth, as dentists often choose to extract them when damage due to root resorption is observed. We report a case involving a tooth that was severely resorbed due to pressure from an adjacent impacted tooth. After extraction of the impacted tooth, the remaining tooth retained vital pulp and survived as a functional tooth.