By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert
Tooth resorption may sound like a complicated dental term, but it simply means that the body is gradually breaking down and absorbing part of a tooth. Resorption can affect the root, the inside of the tooth, or other tooth structures, and it is usually something your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry discover during an examination and verifies with dental X-rays. In some cases, you may have no symptoms at all, while in others you might notice pain, sensitivity, discoloration, or swelling. Tooth resorption is not the same as a cavity. Instead of bacteria creating a hole in the tooth from decay, your own body’s cells are involved in breaking down tooth structure.
There are two main types of tooth resorption: internal resorption and external resorption. Internal resorption begins inside the tooth, usually within the pulp or root canal space, and gradually works outward into the surrounding tooth structure. External resorption, on the other hand, begins on the outside surface of the tooth or root and progresses inward. External resorption can take several forms and may be more difficult to detect in its earliest stages. The location, cause, and extent of the resorption can make a major difference in determining whether your tooth can be treated and saved.
Resorption can occur for several reasons, although sometimes the exact cause is not completely clear. Trauma to a tooth, inflammation, infection, pressure from impacted teeth, orthodontic treatment, or damage to the tissues surrounding the root may all play a role. Internal resorption is often associated with inflammation or injury involving the pulp inside the tooth. External resorption may develop after trauma, infection, pressure, or other changes affecting the root surface and surrounding bone. This is one reason why regular dental examinations and appropriate X-rays can be so important: the earlier a resorptive process is discovered, the better the opportunity may be to evaluate your treatment options. Be sure to check out our Patient of the Month blog for Justin to learn about what options he has had to replace a tooth that started resorbing for him.
Depending on the type and severity of the resorption, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert may be able to monitor the tooth or recommend treatment to stop or slow the process. In some cases, endodontic treatment, commonly called a root canal, may help preserve a tooth affected by internal resorption, at least for awhile. Unfortunately, some teeth are too severely damaged to save and may eventually need to be extracted. When that happens, losing the tooth does not mean you have to live with an uncomfortable gap in your smile. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN can help you understand your options for replacing a tooth that has been lost because of resorption.
Whether the best solution for you is a dental implant, a bridge, a removable appliance, or another restorative option, replacing a missing tooth can help restore your ability to chew, support your bite, and maintain your smile. At Eggert Family Dentistry, your dental condition can be carefully evaluated so you can understand what is happening, what treatment options may be available, and what steps can help you move forward. If you have been told that you have tooth resorption—or if a tooth has been changing, hurting, or showing unexplained symptoms—an examination can help provide answers. Our goal is to help you protect the teeth that can be saved and thoughtfully restore your smile when a tooth cannot be preserved—because you deserve Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles! Call or text us to set up your next appointment today – 651-482-8412!