Tooth Resorption: What Is It and How Is It Treated?

Absorption is a word that we are all familiar with, but did you know that there’s a thing called resorption in dentistry? And when we say dentistry, yes, it involves the teeth.

Teeth resorption is a process in which a part of the body absorbs another, which isn’t something the teeth should be doing. This refers to a tooth or partial tooth loss due to irritation or injury. Not only will it affect the tooth itself, but it can also affect the other parts—the dentin, root, or pulp. Yikes!

Internal and External Tooth Resorption

There are different types of tooth resorption. There’s one that is called internal tooth resorption that directly affects the tissues; hence, it’s uncommon. The other type is external tooth resorption, which is more common, as this affects the outer part of the tooth that manifests as chips or holes. These can be diagnosed through a dental x-ray.

It’s Natural… At Some Point

Teeth resorption naturally happens on baby teeth, but it’s a whole different story when it occurs on permanent teeth. There is no definite cause for tooth resorption, but it’s important to know the symptoms to have it treated immediately before it gets worse.

It Starts from the Outside

Despite the two types of tooth resorption, it generally starts on the exterior part of the tooth and moves inward. Some of the symptoms to watch out for are:

• Dark or pinkish tooth
• Swollen or reddish gums
• Pain from the inside of the tooth, crown, or root
• Spacing between teeth
• Brittle teeth
• Teeth holes

When unaddressed, tooth resorption can lead to more serious problems, such as infections, tooth loss, receding root, and even crookedness.

It Can Be Treated

The good news is, it is treatable, but you need to do your part as well. With that, you need to be open about any mouth injuries you might have had and any other symptoms.

The treatment will depend on which part of the tooth is affected and the severity of the damage. In some cases, it may require other dental treatments, like a root canal, tooth extraction, or even gum surgery. When it’s treated, most patients would need implants or veneers to improve the look of the affected tooth.

Catch It Early

Tooth resorption may be tricky to diagnose because its symptoms are often similar to other dental problems. It’s easy to disregard some symptoms, especially if you don’t feel any pain, but if you notice any signs of tooth resorption, you must get it treated immediately. Catching it early can help save your tooth from significant damage and complications.

Conclusion

One of the most effective ways to prevent tooth resorption is to ensure you visit your dentist regularly. Those routine check-ups, which are typically every six months, aren’t only for teeth cleaning. They’re also important for spotting potential issues, such as tooth resorption, before they get worse. When you catch it early, you get to preserve your teeth and potentially have less invasive procedures that will save you time and money.

Do you think you have tooth resorption? Don’t worry! Get it treated by yourlocal dentist in Ann Arbor and Waterford, MI. Set an appointment at Dental House MI today to get the proper dental care that you need.