The effect of an antibiotic/corticosteroid paste on inflammatory root resorption in vivo.

Progressive external inflammatory root resorption, a result of persistent inflammation within the periodontal membrane, will cause eventual destruction of the tooth root if the inflammation is not eradicated. This study examined the effects of an antibiotic/corticosteroid paste on experimental inflammatory resorption induced in monkeys in vivo. Histologic evaluation of results with the use of a morphometric technique revealed that the paste eliminated inflammatory root resorption and had no damaging effects upon the periodontal membrane. It was concluded that this antibiotic/corticosteroid combination is an effective medication for use in the treatment of progressive root resorption in traumatically injured teeth.