Exposed tooth roots are not desirable. They usually indicate poor oral health, and even if they seem like they are not causing problems, they can lead to more severe issues in the future.
Uneven crowns or gum recessions usually cause exposed roots. Since it is not very common and does not happen to everyone, you may not know the risks of having exposed teeth roots or how to prevent it from happening again.
Recognizing When a Root Is Exposed
The primary sign that a tooth is exposed is noticing that your tooth appears longer than usual. This is from the gums pulling away from your teeth from the buildup of plaque and bacteria.
The thin layer of the gum tissue that protects your teeth tears away because of the infection. A swollen and inflamed gum is also a sign of gum infection.
Increased sensitivity around the area of the tooth is also a symptom. This can be recognized while eating or drinking hot and cold food. The usual symptoms of an exposed tooth root are:
- A deeper pocket around the tooth.
- Swelling and redness around the tooth.
- When pressure is applied to the tooth, the tooth feels unstable.
- Soreness or a stinging sensation.
Common Causes of an Exposed Tooth Root
- Gingival recession-The most common cause is gum recession is when the gum pulls back away from the teeth. This can occur after teeth are cleaned or removed. Gum recession can also be caused by aggressive brushing or flossing, genetic factors, chronic gum disease, pregnancy, or certain medications. You can avoid this by being gentle when cleaning your teeth and gums and maintaining your regular dental exams.
- An unevenly shaped crown-A damaged, broken, or worn crown can make the crown become uneven. The application of a dental crown is the usual treatment.
Common Exposed Tooth Root Treatments
- Crown -A dental crown to cap your tooth and help strengthen and protect it from further abrasion.
- Flap Surgery -A flap surgery is the surgical incision through your gums to remove the disease around the infected tooth and then sealing it back up.
- Extraction- If a tooth needs to be pulled because of an exposed root. If a tooth is badly decayed or broken beyond repair, the dentist may need to remove the tooth entirely. If a tooth is removed and there is not enough tooth remaining to support a bridge or denture, the roots may be visible.
It will be best to contact your dentist immediately when you have any concerns about your oral health. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Practicing Good at Home Oral Hygiene
It is essential to take diligent care of your teeth if you want them to last your lifetime, and it can be easy to forget when you are dealing with the aftermath of exposed roots. Make sure you brush and floss regularly and schedule regular dental visits.
If you exercise consistent prevention, you should be able to avoid having a tooth root exposed. If you do discover that your tooth root has become exposed, schedule a visit to see your dentist soon.
