Just imagine that you have been diagnosed with tooth resorption, and now you are feeling sad sitting at your dentist’s and wondering what this problem is and how you are gonna deal with it. But we assure you that dental resorption isn’t very horrifying as it sounds.
Tooth resorption happens when a tooth receives a dental trauma and starts losing its parts.
Resorption is categorized into two streams – internal and external. In internal resorption, a person may experience swelling and loss of the inner layer of the tooth called dentin. In external resorption, the cementum wears off that covers the roots of the tooth.
Let us explore in detail the types of dental resorption and the treatment options.
Internal Tooth Resorption
When the two layers of your tooth, dentin, and cementum soak into the tooth canal, it results in the inflammation of the inner and outer surfaces of the tooth. When a tooth receives an injury, it causes the tissue to become swollen and absorbed into the root of the tooth. This makes the tooth hollow and weak, with a higher risk of cavities and other issues. Here are a few things that can result in internal resorption:
- damage to a pulp by bacteria
- dental trauma
- exposure to chemicals
Internal resorption appears as red spots on the tooth. Your dentist may take an X-ray of the damaged tooth to find the exact location of resorption.
External Resorption
External tooth resorption is nearly the same as internal resorption, and it can be difficult to identify it as an individual problem. Sometimes external resorption and internal resorption occur simultaneously.
It is commonly caused by injury to the teeth. The other causes are shifting of teeth due to orthodontic devices such as braces and gum infection around the areas of the teeth. When the tooth’s crown or outside root is damaged, it can result in tooth loss, oral infection, loose teeth, and other dental issues.
How to treat Dental Resorption?
If any signs of resorption are visible or you have a dental injury, visit your dentist at the earliest. It is important for a quick recovery.
Treatments for tooth resorption vary for each individual.
Your dentist may suggest a root canal to fill the tooth and then use a restoration to seal it. For excessive resorption, tooth extraction may be required. If the resorption is in its early stage and the damage is minor, a surgeon might expose the affected tooth area with gum surgery to get rid of the cells that caused resorption.
Just like many other oral issues, the best way to prevent resorption is by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. You should also visit your dentist for professional teeth cleanings and exams.
Even if you follow healthy oral habits and keep your teeth clean, you can still experience resorption due to injury or oral infection. One way to prevent injuries is wearing a mouthguard when playing sports. If you happen to have trauma, immediately see your dentist.
Schedule an appointment with Hermosa Dentistry at your nearest location.