The Role of Host Response in Post-Traumatic External Root Resorption: A Scoping Review

This research project consists of a scoping review that aims to comprehensively characterize, summarize, and critically assess the existing clinical and experimental evidence on the role of the host response in post-traumatic external root resorption (ERR) in permanent teeth. ERR is a frequent and severe sequela of dental trauma, characterized by progressive and irreversible loss of dental tissues, often leading to premature tooth loss and significant functional, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences. Although the cellular mechanisms involved in dental resorption are similar to those observed in bone resorption, teeth only undergo this process after extensive damage to protective barriers such as cementum, predentine, and the periodontal ligament. The progression and severity of ERR appear to be strongly influenced by host-related immunological and molecular factors; however, these regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood and there is currently no effective preventive or therapeutic strategy. The primary purpose of this scoping review is to identify, describe, and organize the available evidence on immunological, inflammatory, genetic, and epigenetic host response characteristics that have been investigated in relation to post-traumatic ERR activity. By systematically synthesize literature, the review seeks to highlight well-explored research areas, identify existing knowledge gaps, and clarify how host response profiles may influence susceptibility, progression, and severity of ERR. This information is essential to support future advances in early diagnosis, risk prediction, and the development of preventive or therapeutic approaches, including the identification of potential biomarkers and immunoinflammatory modulators. The review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy will be applied across five major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science), with study selection based on predefined eligibility criteria. Data extraction and qualitative synthesis will allow the classification of studies according to the type of host response investigated and the experimental or clinical context. As a secondary outcome, this review is expected to provide a structured overview of current research trends, methodological approaches, and limitations in the field. Ultimately, the results are expected to guide future research directions, support translational studies, and contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying post-traumatic ERR, with potential long-term benefits for patient care and clinical decision-making in dental traumatology.