Idiopathic resorption of teeth. A report of three cases.

External resorption of teeth is a condition typically associated with etiologic factors within the adjacent alveolar bone, such as chronic periapical or periodontal infections, neoplasms, erupting permanent teeth, orthodontic movement, or trauma to the jaws. When none of these causes are present, resorption of teeth at the cementoenamel junction has been termed "idiopathic resorption of teeth." Three cases of idiopathic resorption of teeth are reported, the literature on previous cases is reviewed, and hypotheses as to causes and a new theory are postulated regarding the possible mechanism for osteoclastic resorption of teeth.