If you have a reabsorbed tooth, you may be wondering if it can be saved.
Below is helpful information about tooth resorption, including what it is, what signs to look for, and whether or not a reabsorbed tooth can be saved.
About Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption (or “tooth root resorption”) is a condition in which the root of a tooth starts to erode or dissolve. This may be due to a variety of different factors, including infection, orthodontic treatment, dental trauma, teeth whitening, and other factors.
The types of resorption include:
- Internal Resorption: Internal tooth resorption involves the pulp of a tooth becoming inflamed. Cells called “odontoclasts” damage the dentin of your tooth, causing severe damage over time. This type of resorption is often caused by infection or dental trauma.
- External Apical Resorption: External apical resorption is a condition in which a patient’s tooth roots begin to dissolve. This is perfectly natural for baby teeth. With that said, it should not happen with adult teeth. This may be due to a tooth abscess.
- External Cervical Resorption: External cervical resorption is a condition where the cervical area of the tooth suffers resorption. This condition may be caused by dental trauma, orthodontic treatment (like braces or clear aligners), or teeth whitening.
Can a Reabsorbed Tooth Be Saved?
Often, a reabsorbed tooth can be saved.
Root canal therapy (also known as a “root canal”) is a common treatment option for tooth root resorption. During this procedure, your dentist will remove any infected tissue from the pulp of your tooth. From there, they will clean, disinfect, and seal the tooth.
For more advanced issues, your dentist may opt for surgery.
If the condition is allowed to worsen, it may get to the point where a tooth can no longer be saved and will need to be extracted. This is why it’s so important to address tooth resorption as soon as possible.
The Signs of Tooth Resorption
Some of the most common signs of tooth resorption include:
- Pain
- Changes in a tooth’s shape
- Gum recession
- Tooth discoloration
- Tooth fragility
Prevention
While tooth resorption can’t always be prevented, there are some simple things that you can do to lower the chances of developing this condition. These include:
- Brushing twice a day, every day
- Flossing and rinsing daily
- Wearing a mouth guard when playing sports
- Visiting your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup
Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and x-rays will allow them to catch resorption early on, dramatically increasing the chances of your reabsorbed tooth being saved.
Contact Us
If you believe you are suffering from tooth resorption, make sure you visit your dentist as soon as you can for an examination. From there, they will determine the root cause of your symptoms. If it turns out that you are suffering from tooth root resorption, they will put together a treatment plan.