What is tooth resorption?
Tooth resorption occurs when your body’s immune system begins to break down and absorb healthy tissues within your teeth, gums, and jaw. The process is natural, and commonly occurs when your teeth are transitioning to mature or “adult” teeth–after your “baby” teeth where resorbed. Sometimes, due to infection or rejection of the immune system, the process is signaled in adulthood. This causes odontoclasts to be released and healthy support structures are then broken down and consumed by the body–in an attempt to protect them from foreign threat.
Tooth Resorption has two common forms
Internal- This is what is known as a “hollow tooth” and occurs when the cavity within the tooth begins absorbing the healthy tissues inside. This is commonly due to serious trauma to the area, or exposure to very harmful chemicals. The root of the tooth will begin to sap Dentin and Cementum into the canal of your tooth, and this will cause a reddish-pink tint on the outside of the tooth. You could also expect some noticeable bad breath, and these signs should lead you to see your dental care team for some x rays.
External- External Tooth resorption commonly manifests as tooth shifting, infection, and usually leaves the external of the teeth marred in some way. This can be due to forced quick movement of the teeth through orthodontics, severe infection, or trauma. External Resorption on it’s own can be difficult to diagnose because it so often occurs in tandem with internal resorption.
How to Treat Tooth Resorption
Root Canal Treatment- Your dentist may opt to fill the area of the tooth root in order to combat the proliferance of harmful bacteria inside the hollow area.
Tooth Extraction- The tooth itself and surrounding tissues may be so damaged that the best course of action, as your body predicted, is to remove the tooth altogether and begin treating the tissues there. Once healthy tissues are thriving again, you can investigate replacement options.
Tissue Removal- Some of the harmful or infected tissues may be surgically extracted in order to allow the healthy ones to take over again. This is a great time to reinvest in healthy dental habits and clean up your care routine.
Begin with the Dentist
Follow up before the issue becomes advanced and see your doctor. Once you are in the chair, you are on the track to recovery. Your dental hygienist can begin with a proper and precise cleaning, and they can guide you on what is working and what isnt in your routine. Then your dentist can take x rays and begin the diagnostic process. They need to ascertain whether or not resorption is occurring, and how advanced it is. Then they can walk through the treatment options above, or they may recommend something entirely new– like lanap treatment. Dentistry is developing every day, and new materials and methodologies are developing that are all dedicated to saving teeth and protecting your beautiful smile.
