Can You Fix Tooth Resorption?
Tooth resorption is an uncommon but extremely serious condition. The average person, though, doesn’t know a lot about resorption, what to look for, and whether or not it can even be fixed.
Check out the information below to learn more about resorption, what to look out for, and whether or not you can fix tooth resorption.
What Tooth Resorption Is
Tooth resorption is a process in which the cells of a tooth start to damage said tooth. There are a few reasons this may occur, including physical trauma, orthodontic treatment, previous dental work, an abscess, whitening, or an infection.
Types of resorption include:
- External Cervical Resorption: This form of tooth resorption is commonly caused by dental trauma, whitening, and orthodontic treatment. With external cervical resorption, the area where the gum and tooth meet is affected.
- External Apical Resorption: When a patient is suffering from external apical resorption, the roots of their teeth begin to dissolve. While it’s natural for this to happen to baby teeth, it is a serious problem for adult teeth. Generally, this is due to an abscess.
- Internal Resorption: This form of resorption, as the name implies, is when the interior of the tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed and cells (called odontoclasts) break down the dentin. This is often caused by trauma or infection and can lead to the tooth hollowing out from the inside.
What Are Some Signs I Should Look For?
There are some signs that you can look for when it comes to resorption. These include:
- Gum issues
- Tooth fragility
- Changes in a tooth’s shape
- Tooth discoloration
- Pain
Make sure you book an appointment with a dentist as soon as you can if you notice these signs. Even if the issue isn’t resorption, these are serious symptoms that should be examined.
Can You Fix Tooth Resorption?
There are a couple of main treatments for tooth resorption (both internal and external). One of the most common is root canal therapy.
With root canal therapy, the infected pulp of the tooth is removed, and the root is cleaned, disinfected, then sealed. While this is the most common treatment, surgery may also be required to fully treat a case of resorption. Extraction also may be required, if the condition is serious enough.
It’s important to note that not all cases of resorption can be prevented by the patient. With that said, there are actions a person can take to avoid resorption or stop its progression early on. By taking proper care of your oral health and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, you can stop any progression early or even prevent the issue, to begin with.
Reach Out Today
Have you noticed some of the signs of resorption? If so, reach out today to book an appointment for an examination. Your dentist will take a look at your tooth and determine the root cause of the issue. If the problem is resorption, they will put together a treatment plan to best address your specific resorption.