Are Exposed Tooth Roots Common?
Exposed tooth roots are not ideal or desirable. They most often indicate poor oral health, and even if they appear like they are not causing issues, they can lead to severe problems in the future.
An uneven crown or gum recession usually causes exposed roots. Since it is not common and does not occur to everyone, you might not know the risks of having exposed tooth roots or how to prevent it from happening.
Recognizing When a Root Is Exposed
The main sign that a tooth root is exposed is noticing that your tooth seems longer than usual. This is because the gums are pulling away from your teeth from the buildup of plaque and damaging bacteria.
The thin layer of the gum tissue that protects your teeth pulls away because of the infection. An inflamed and swollen gum is also a sign of gum infection.
Increased sensitivity around the immediate area of the tooth is also a common symptom. This will be evident while eating or drinking hot and cold food. The usual symptoms of an exposed tooth root are:
- A deeper pocket developing around the tooth.
- Redness and swelling of the gums around the tooth.
- When pressure is applied to the tooth, the tooth feels unstable.
- A soreness or a stinging sensation.
Common Causes of an Exposed Tooth Root
- Gingival recession- The most frequent and common cause is gum recession when the gum pulls away from the teeth. Gum recession can also be the result of aggressive brushing or flossing, chronic gum disease, genetic factors, pregnancy, or certain medications. You can proactively avoid this by being gentle when brushing your teeth and gums and maintaining your regular dental checkups.
- An unevenly shaped crown- A broken, damaged, or worn crown can make the crown of the tooth become uneven. The application of a dental crown is the usual treatment.
Common Exposed Tooth Root Treatments
- Crown- A dental crown placed over your tooth will help strengthen and protect it from further abrasion.
- Flap Surgery- Flap surgery is the surgical incision through your gums to remove the source of the disease around the infected tooth and then sealing it back up.
- Extraction- When a tooth needs to be pulled because of an exposed root. If a tooth is decayed or broken beyond repair, the dentist might choose to remove the tooth entirely. A bridge or a dental implant is a common restoration.
It is wise to contact your dentist immediately when you have concerns about your oral health. It is best to be proactive and better to be safe than sorry.
Practicing Good at Home Oral Hygiene
It is important to take thorough care of your teeth if you want them to last your lifetime, and it can be easy to forget when you are dealing with exposed roots. Make sure you brush and floss regularly and schedule regular dental visits. If you practice consistent prevention, you should be able to avoid having a tooth root exposed. If you do find that your tooth root has become exposed, visit your dentist soon.