What Happens if a Reabsorbed Tooth is Left Untreated?
A reabsorbed tooth is more than a mere inconvenience—it is a serious oral health concern that can lead to major consequences if not addressed. But what happens if the tooth is left untreated?
Below is more about resorption, including the types, treatment options, and what happens if the tooth is left untreated.
What Happens if a Reabsorbed Tooth is Left Untreated?
Resorption is a very serious condition that can lead to major consequences over time (if left untreated). Some of these include:
- Discoloration
- Chipping
- Pain
- Infection
If the tooth is untreated for long enough, it will no longer be viable and will need to be extracted.
What are the Types of Resorption?
The types of resorption include:
- External Apical Resorption: External apical resorption is a form of resorption in which tooth roots start to dissolve. This is completely natural when it comes to baby teeth, but it is a major concern if it starts happening to adult teeth. The root cause of this issue is generally a tooth abscess.
- External Cervical Resorption: Commonly caused by orthodontic treatment, dental trauma, or whitening, external cervical resorption is a condition in which the area where the tooth and gum meet (the cervical region) is being damaged by resorption.
- Internal Resorption: Internal resorption refers to a condition in which the tooth of a patient begins to hollow on the inside. The dentin is worn down, and the interior of the tooth becomes inflamed. This condition may be caused by infection or trauma.
Symptoms
It’s best to catch resorption as early as possible. Some of the symptoms of resorption to look out for include:
- Pain
- Gum issues
- Tooth discoloration
- Tooth fragility
- Changes in a tooth’s shape
If you notice these symptoms, make sure you schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.
Treatment Options
When it comes to the treatment of tooth resorption, the most common form of treatment is root canal therapy. During this treatment, your dentist will remove infected tissue from the root of your tooth, then clean and disinfect it. Surgery also may be required to address the issue.
Remember, not addressing a reabsorbed tooth quickly enough can lead to worsening consequences—which include the loss of the tooth. Your dentist may need to consider extraction for your overall oral health. From there, tooth replacement options will need to be considered.
To avoid resorption, practice good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Also, visit your dentist every six months. It’s important to note, though, that resorption can still occur, regardless of proper hygiene. This makes visiting the dentist for checkups regularly imperative.
Contact Us
If you notice the symptoms of tooth resorption, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. As mentioned above, there are serious consequences that come with not treating the issue.
Reach out today to schedule an appointment for an examination.