Can a Reabsorbed Tooth Be Saved
Tooth resorption is a dental issue that is actually pretty common. Most often occurs due to injury or trauma to a tooth or when orthodontic treatment is completed too quickly. Resorption is when the tooth is essentially rejected by the body and begins to be absorbed as a defense move by the body.
Fortunately, your tooth may be able to be saved though you may need to see a specialist. An endodontist can provide root canal treatment to remove infected pulp and fill the canals and seal the tooth. The pulp of the tooth is the tissue within each root canal that houses the nerves and blood supply for the tooth. A root canal can usually be performed in one visit but if there are multiple canals or extensive infection, you may require a second visit.
The endodontist will apply a topical numbing agent to the soft tissue around the infected tooth before administering a local anesthetic via injection to fully numb the entire area. They will likely use a bite block to prop your mouth open which is actually more comfortable for the patient and they do not have to focus on holding their mouth open the whole time.
Once the patient is numb and comfortable, they will begin the treatment by drilling a small access hole through the tooth all the way to the pulp. Small cylindrical files are used to clear out the infected pulp tissue before an antimicrobial solution is applied to remove any remaining bacteria and to keep the tooth from becoming reinfected. The canals are then dried and filled with a rubbery material called gutta-percha and the access hole is covered with a temporary filling. After a couple of weeks, your dentist will see you to have the temporary filling removed and a permanent filling placed.
Root canal therapy is a highly successful treatment option, allowing patients to keep a tooth that might otherwise be extracted. If resorption is too far along, he may need to have the tooth extracted instead. In this event, you will be able to discuss replacement options with your dentist and they will refer you to a periodontist or oral surgeon to have the tooth extracted.
As with most dental issues, prevention is easier than treatment and the best way to prevent dental maladies is with a good oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist. And allowing your dentist to take regular x-rays is crucial to catching resorption early and giving you a better chance of keeping your tooth!