Transient apical breakdown (TAB) may occur after dental trauma, which is manifested by obvious radiolucent shadows at the root apex of the affected tooth on X-ray examination within a certain period after trauma, or persistent widening of the periodontal ligament space for a long time after trauma. However, it can resolve spontaneously without intervention. At present, researches on TAB are rather limited, and clinicians have insufficient understanding of it, which may easily lead to misdiagnosis as apical periodontitis and subsequently unnecessary endodontic treatment. In view of this, this article intends to discuss the occurrence of TAB, related influencing factors, characteristic imaging findings, diagnostic methods and possible mechanisms, aiming to provide references for clinical diagnosis and treatment, as well as to reduce misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

Transient apical breakdown (TAB) may occur after dental trauma, which is manifested by obvious radiolucent shadows at the root apex of the affected tooth on X-ray examination within a certain period after trauma, or persistent widening of the periodontal ligament space for a long time after trauma. However, it can resolve spontaneously without intervention. At present, researches on TAB are rather limited, and clinicians have insufficient understanding of it, which may easily lead to misdiagnosis as apical periodontitis and subsequently unnecessary endodontic treatment. In view of this, this article intends to discuss the occurrence of TAB, related influencing factors, characteristic imaging findings, diagnostic methods and possible mechanisms, aiming to provide references for clinical diagnosis and treatment, as well as to reduce misdiagnosis and mistreatment.