What is Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption is actually a common diagnosis for adult patients. Resorption is the inflammation and loss of a tooth’s dentin, the tissue under the enamel, or cementum, the outer tissue of the tooth roots. If a tooth endures an injury, the body can begin to reject the tooth in a kind of self-defense maneuver. The main types of resorption are internal and external; let’s take a closer look and learn what that means.
What does tooth resorption look like?
Internal Resorption
When the dentin or cementum becomes absorbed into the tooth canal, the inner and outer surfaces of the tooth become inflamed or when a tooth is injured and the tissue becomes inflamed, they can be absorbed into the tooth now. This process eventually results in a hollow tooth which can become weak and susceptible to damage and decay. Trauma to a tooth can include exposure to heat or chemicals or even a bacterial infection in the pulp.
Your dentist will be able to diagnose internal resorption using dental x-rays to locate a hollow tooth and possibly dental lesions. The first sign of internal resorption for a tooth is a reddish hue to the color of the tooth.
External Resorption
External resorption is similar to internal resorption and can even occur concurrently with internal resorption. External resorption is most commonly caused by trauma to the teeth. An infection in the gum tissue around the teeth or orthodontic treatment that is moved through too quickly can all cause external resorption.
Can tooth resorption be treated?
Tooth resorption can be treated though sometimes, the tooth can only be extracted to prevent further damage. The type of treatment method used varies from case to case. Early detection is crucial to save the tooth so it is important to see your dentist as soon as you are experiencing injury or notice signs of resorption. Caught early, the tooth may be saved with a root canal treatment by an endodontist who will clean out the pulp from each canal and fill and seal the tooth.
A periodontist may be able to treat the affected area if it is in the early stages by exposing the damaged area and removing the cells that caused the damage. If the tooth has experienced too much resorption to be saved, it may need to be extracted.
Tooth resorption can still occur even with good oral hygiene, especially from trauma or infection. A mouthguard is a great way to prevent injury for those who participate in sports, or other physical activities. A good oral hygiene routine is the best way to keep your mouth overall healthy though some issues may arise anyway. Regular visits to your dentist, at least twice a year, complete with check-up x-rays and dental exam can not only help prevent problems, they can help your dentist catch issues as soon as they arise.
If you suffer an injury to your mouth, it is important to see your dentist for an evaluation, even if you are not experiencing any pain. Resorption is not something you will feel or even notice on your own but your dentist can help identify if a tooth is at risk.