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As an endodontist, my goal is to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums while addressing any concerns about your oral health. One condition I often get questions about is root resorption. While it can sound alarming, understanding what is happening and how we can treat it is the first step toward peace of mind.
What Is Root Resorption?
Root resorption occurs when your body begins to break down and absorb the structure of a tooth’s root. For children, this is a normal process that allows baby teeth to fall out and make way for permanent teeth. But for adults, root resorption is not a typical occurrence—it can weaken the tooth and even jeopardize its stability if left untreated.
There are two main types of root resorption:
- Internal Resorption: This happens from the inside of the tooth. It starts in the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth) and works its way outward.
- External Resorption: This starts on the outer surface of the root and progresses inward. This type is more common and is often linked to external factors like trauma or orthodontic treatments.
What Causes Root Resorption?
A variety of factors can lead to root resorption. These include:
- Dental Trauma: A blow to the mouth or jaw can trigger the body’s response to break down and repair damaged tissues, sometimes affecting the tooth’s root.
- Orthodontic Treatment: If teeth are moved too quickly during orthodontic care, it can place stress on the roots, potentially causing resorption.
- Chronic Infections: Long-standing infections in the gums or around the tooth can contribute to root resorption.
- Impacted Teeth: A tooth that fails to emerge properly can press against neighboring roots, leading to damage.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Rarely, systemic issues like autoimmune diseases may play a role.
Symptoms You Should Know
Root resorption often develops silently, meaning you might not notice any symptoms at first. That is why regular dental visits are so important—they allow us to catch issues early through exams and X-rays.
If symptoms do appear, you might experience:
- Tooth discoloration (especially with internal resorption).
- Sensitivity or discomfort while chewing.
- Loosening of the tooth.
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth.
How We Treat Root Resorption
If we detect root resorption, the treatment plan will depend on its type and severity. Options may include:
- Monitoring: For mild cases, we may simply observe and track the progression over time.
- Root Canal Therapy: For internal resorption, root canal treatment can remove the damaged tissue inside the tooth and prevent further damage.
- Surgical Intervention: If external resorption is causing significant harm, we may remove the affected tissue surgically.
- Extraction and Restoration: In severe cases, extracting the tooth may be the best solution. We can then explore restorative options like implants or bridges to maintain your smile.
Preventing Root Resorption
While root resorption is not always preventable, you can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing a mouth guard during contact sports to protect your teeth from trauma.
- Following your orthodontist’s guidelines to ensure gradual tooth movement.
- Addressing infections or dental injuries promptly
Protect Your Oral Health
Root resorption can be a serious condition, but with early detection and the right treatment, we can work together to preserve your teeth and your smile. If you have experienced dental trauma, have concerns about orthodontic treatment or notice any unusual symptoms, please do not wait—now is a good time to schedule an appointment to address such issues. Together, we will create a plan to address your concerns and keep your smile healthy for years to come.