What effect does external root resorption have on instrumentation approach?

What effect does external root resorption have on instrumentation approach?

• A. It increases perforation risk; instrumentation must minimize wall removal and avoid forcing files into resorptive defects.
• B. It reduces perforation risk; aggressive filing is recommended.
• C. It has no impact on instrumentation approach.
• D. It negates the need for obturation.

Answer: (A)

External root resorption creates weakened, irregular walls on the outside of the tooth, so the canal path and dentin thickness near the resorptive defect are not normal. During instrumentation, this raises the risk of perforating into the periodontal space if you aggressively remove dentin or force files into the defect. The best approach is conservative and careful: minimize wall removal, especially around the resorptive area; avoid forcing files into resorptive defects; use flexible instruments and gentle tapping/feather-light motions to follow the existing canal path. This helps preserve remaining tooth structure and reduces the chance of creating or enlarging a perforation. Obturation remains necessary to seal the canal and prevent reinfection, so the aim is safe cleaning and shaping first, not skipping obturation. Aggressive filing would actually increase risk, and claiming no impact or negating obturation contradicts the need to both protect structure and seal the canal.

External root resorption creates weakened, irregular walls on the outside of the tooth, so the canal path and dentin thickness near the resorptive defect are not normal. During instrumentation, this raises the risk of perforating into the periodontal space if you aggressively remove dentin or force files into the defect. The best approach is conservative and careful: minimize wall removal, especially around the resorptive area; avoid forcing files into resorptive defects; use flexible instruments and gentle tapping/feather-light motions to follow the existing canal path. This helps preserve remaining tooth structure and reduces the chance of creating or enlarging a perforation. Obturation remains necessary to seal the canal and prevent reinfection, so the aim is safe cleaning and shaping first, not skipping obturation. Aggressive filing would actually increase risk, and claiming no impact or negating obturation contradicts the need to both protect structure and seal the canal.