Can you Fix Tooth Resorption?

Although it sounds frightening, it is actually a common affliction that occurs naturally from an oral injury or irritation. It can be treated effectively if managed promptly. If you are suffering from root resorption, you should have it checked immediately. Your dentist will be able to not only properly cure problems once they occur, but they can also help you avoid issues with preventative care and the introduction of proper dental habits.

What is Tooth Root Resorption?

Resorption refers to anytime that one part of your body starts to absorb another part. It can occur in various places with various tissues and body parts. In dental terms, resorption is the progressive loss of part or parts of the tooth from odontoclasts. Odontoclasts are a cell that is natural and is responsible for breaking down the roots of baby teeth so they will fall out. Under certain circumstances odontoclasts can attack permanent adult teeth.
The parts of the tooth that can be affected by resorption include the interior pulp, cementum, the root covering, dentin, the part of the tooth beneath the enamel, and the root itself.

There are two main kinds of resorption. The first is internal tooth resorption. This is when the actual inside of the tooth, either the dentin or cementum, is being absorbed. The tissue becomes inflamed and then absorbed all together, leaving the inside of the tooth hollow. The tooth tissue changes into inflamed cells that are absorbed into the tooth root.

The more common type of resorption is external tooth resorption when the outside of the tooth begins to deteriorate. External resorption can be classified into several categories. Inflammatory resorption leads to continuing pathological resorption. Surface resorption is inflammatory resorption that is transient and self-limiting. Cervical resorption is specific to the cemental-enamel junction. Finally, replacement resorption means that the tooth tissue is resorbed and replaced with bone.

What are the Causes and Symptoms of Tooth Root Resorption?

There are a variety of causes for tooth resorption. Often it is from a physical injury to the tooth, like an impact, chemical, or burn. The trauma leads to inflammation then turns into resorption. Other causes include periodontal treatment, pulp necrosis, orthodontics, or poorly done tooth whitening.
In the early stage of resorption, the primary symptom is a pink color to the tooth. This is a sign that the internal tissue is being affected. As the resorption progresses, there can be discomfort in the root, the crown, or inside the tooth. There can be swelling of the gums and redness, and gaps between the teeth may develop. X-rays will show dental lesions around the impacted region.
Resorption can lead to other infections, discoloration, a weakening of the tooth’s structural integrity, chipped teeth, misalignment, cavities and holes, and a recession of roots. The entire tooth can be lost.

How to Treat Tooth Root Resorption

Once resorption has been diagnosed, the focus is on eliminating the resorption and preserving as much of the tooth as possible. It might be necessary to remove the damaged portions of the tooth to prevent progression. This might include root canals, crown replacement, oral surgery, and even tooth extraction.

How Serious is Tooth Resorption