If you have exposed tooth roots you most likely have something which is causing the gums to recede from the surface of the tooth. This may be due to underlying gum disease, infection, it may be a complication of existing factors in your medication. Really the best way to truly tell what your situation is, is to see your Dentist. They can tell you with the best accuracy what is causing your exposed roots. Here are several of the most common causes of exposed roots, and what you can do about them.
What happens with exposed roots?
When a tooth root becomes exposed a variety of things happen. One is that the patient experiences pain and discomfort. The gums have receded to the point where the base of tooth is exposed to the elements, something that should not happen in healthy teeth. The patient will experience sharp sensations from things like cold or hot temperatures. High acid or sweet foods may also cause a sensation.
Causes of Exposed Tooth Roots
Oftentimes the gums are receding because the patient has experienced either gum disease, gum infection, or trauma.
Infection- Infection is the result of neglected hygiene, often. Some times infection is unavoidable and not due to anything the patient did or did not do. When harmful bacteria enters the gumline, the structural tissues that grip the teeth in place begin to break down. This can lead to weakness of the teeth, shifting teeth, gum recession, and eventually tooth loss. In order to avoid tooth loss, go to your dentist regularly, and earlier rather than later to catch these conditions early.
Gum Disease- Gum disease either develops from infection or is inherited genetically. Gum disease attacks the healthy gum tissue, much like infections, and causes the gums to recede. Once they have receded a specific amount, the root of the tooth is exposed and the patient experiences pain and discomfort, and risks losing teeth.
Trauma- Sometimes a hit, slip, or fall causes the teeth or gums to suffer trauma. In this event, the tooth may be hit with such force that it moves, or changes angle within the mouth. The gums may be physically cut or struck in a way that loosens the root of the tooth. Whatever the trauma is, the teeth shift and the area underneath the tooth is damaged. This exposed root must be dealt with inorder to save the tooth and protect the patient.
Treatment for exposed roots
Root Canal- Root canals can help to remove unhealthy tissue and allow healthy ones to regrow, strengthening the tissue system.
Tooth Replacement- A Dental Implant can be anchored directly into the root of the tooth, which allows the teeth to grow and resolve their support system.
Gum Grafting- In some cases, pieces of healthy gum tissue can be grafted over areas where the roots have been exposed. With time, the body begins to integrate this gum tissue into the ecosystem in order to protect the teeth.