Internal Resorption – Pink tooth of Mummery

Internal resorption is a condition where the slow or fast resorption of the dentin of the pulp, and the internal walls of the root canals occurs. It is named as Pink tooth of Mummery after the anatomist – James Howard Mummery.

Cause and symptoms

The cause of this condition is not clearly known, except of few patients complaining about trauma to the teeth. Also, persistant chronic pulpitis may sometimes cause the internal resorption. This is another asymptomatic condition, and a type of Chronic irreversible pulpitis (other types include Pulp Polyp).
The crown of the tooth clearly shows a reddish spot, called as Pink Spot which represents the granulation tissue, showing the resorbed area of the tooth. The resorption can be confined to just the crown or the root, or sometimes both. The duration can also vary, with slow progression for 1-2 years or rapid progression within a few months. There is pain seen if there is severe resorption, leading to perforation of the crown.

Diagnosis

Radiographic changes -

• Radiolucent enlargement of pulp canal
• Original root canal outline is distorted
• Changes in the bone not usually seen, but visible only when the root perforation occurs

Pulp vitality tests are usually positive, because although the coronal pulp is not responsive, the apical pulp is still vital.

Treatment

The internal resorption can be stopped by Pulp extirpation procedure. In some, the condition still progresses to finally perforate the root, where calcium hydroxide paste is sealed to repair that area and form a calcific barrier. After this is done, plasticized gutta-percha is used for obturating the open canals.