A root canal is one of the standard methods employed in tooth resorption treatment, but other methods can also be effective. In this article, we discuss how to treat tooth resorption and explain the causes and symptoms of this condition.
What Is Tooth Resorption?
One of the symptoms of tooth resorption is when your teeth break, crack, or chip easily. Typically, two types of tooth resorption are distinguished: external resorption and internal resorption. When a patient suffers from external resorption, which is more common, they are prone to losing the outer parts of their teeth. Internal resorption, in turn, is the loss of the inside of the teeth. Depending on various factors, tooth resorption might affect the enamel, cementum, dentin, pulp, or roots of the teeth.
Causes of Tooth Resorption
Some of the leading causes of tooth resorption include:
- Tooth pulp necrosis and subsequent inflammation
- Oral trauma
- Unsuccessful periodontal treatment
- Tooth movement due to an orthodontic treatment
- Incorrect tooth whitening
- Oral cysts and tumors
- Ectopic or impacted teeth that cause pressure and inflammation
Symptoms of Tooth Resorption
In some cases, patients might not experience noticeable symptoms of tooth resorption. For this reason, it is essential to undergo regular dental checkups and cleanings so that your dentist is able to spot any issues before they become severe. When the condition of tooth resorption is advanced, you might start noticing the following symptoms:
- Frequent appearance of cavities
- Various holes in the teeth that appear not due to tooth decay
- Inflamed or swollen gums
- Spaces between the teeth that were not there before
- Irregularly dark or pink teeth
- Toothache that feels like it is coming from inside of the tooth with no visible symptoms of cavities or decay
- Fragile teeth that crack, chip, or break easily
Your dentist can identify tooth resorption with no apparent symptoms by conducting an X-ray or scan. Typically, dark spots inside a tooth or signs of root damage appear on an X-ray and signify the condition.
Consequences of Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption is a dangerous condition that can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums, including:
- Discoloration of the teeth
- Chips, cracks, and holes in the teeth
- Tooth loss
- Recession of the gums
- Oral infection
- Toothache
- Changes in the way the teeth fit together
If you notice any of the symptoms of tooth resorption, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Swift action and correct treatment can help prevent further damage and more severe oral health issues.
How to Treat Tooth Resorption
Mainly, tooth resorption is treated by repairing the damaged teeth and treating gum disease, if present, to prevent further damage the condition can cause to your oral health. Some of the procedures that are effective in tooth resorption treatment include:
- Tooth extraction is used if the tooth is severely damaged by decay or is broken at a gum line and can not be saved. Later, the tooth can be replaced by a dental implant or a bridge.
- Root canal therapy is used to treat a decayed tooth if the pulp inside the tooth is infected.
- A dental crown can be placed on top of a weakened tooth to reinforce its structure and protect it from further damage.
- Dental veneers and dental bonding can be used to restore chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.
- Gum surgery, gum grafting, and jawbone grafting can be used to treat gum disease and restore the density of the jaw bone and the health of the gum tissue.
- Tooth remineralization with hydroxide paste might be effective at strengthening the tooth, which is not yet extensively damaged.
The methods employed in treating tooth resorption depend on the severity of the condition, the extent of the damage, and other oral and general health considerations.
Tooth Resorption Prevention
Good daily oral hygiene at home and regular professional dental cleanings and checkups (every 6 to 12 months) can go a long way in maintaining good oral health. Also, try to avoid oral trauma by wearing a mouthguard when playing sports. Lastly, choose your dentist carefully when planning such treatments as tooth whitening and periodontal and orthodontic treatments.
Make an Appointment Today
If you suspect tooth resorption, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with an endodontist in Los Angeles today. Our specialists will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, including a physical exam and an X-ray or scan to establish a correct diagnosis. We offer several modern methods of treating tooth resorption.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Maz Endodontics.