CAN A REABSORBED TOOTH BE SAVED

Can a Reabsorbed Tooth Be Saved?

Do you have a reabsorbed tooth, or do you suspect you have one? If so, you may be wondering whether or not the tooth can be saved.
Below is helpful information about tooth resorption, including the types, signs to look for, and potential treatment options.

What Is Tooth Resorption?

Tooth resorption is a condition in which the root of a tooth starts dissolving or eroding over time. There are a variety of different potential causes of resorption that include trauma to the tooth, orthodontic treatment (like braces or clear aligners), teeth whitening, infection, and more.

The types of resorption include:

• Internal Resorption: This form of resorption involves the interior of the pulp of a tooth becoming inflamed. In cases of internal resorption, cells called odontoclasts start to damage the dentin over time. Generally, internal resorption is caused by trauma or infection.
• External Cervical Resorption: This is a condition in which the cervical area (where the tooth and gum meet) suffers from resorption. This is often caused by orthodontic treatment, trauma, and whitening.
• External Apical Resorption: This condition involves the dissolving of a patient’s tooth root. This is expected for baby teeth but is a cause for concern when it happens to adult teeth. The culprit is often a tooth abscess.

Can a Reabsorbed Tooth Be Saved?

Generally, the answer is “yes.” This is especially so if you catch the condition early.

A common treatment for tooth root absorption is root canal therapy. This treatment involves the removal of the infected pulp of a patient’s tooth. Once the infected tissue is removed, the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and resealed. If the condition is more severe, surgery may be required.

While your dentist will do what they can to save the tooth, if it is too far gone, they may need to remove the tooth. After the extraction, you’ll likely be provided with replacement options that can include a dental implant, a dental bridge, or a partial denture.

What Signs to Look For

There are a few common signs of resorption that you can look out for. These include:

• Gum recession
• Tooth discoloration
• Changes in a tooth’s shape
• Pain
• Tooth fragility

Can Tooth Resorption be Prevented?

Often, tooth resorption can be prevented with proper oral care. This includes brushing twice a day, along with flossing and rinsing daily. It also includes visiting your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.

With that said, there are situations (like accidental trauma) in which resorption can’t be avoided. If you play sports, consider wearing a mouth guard to reduce the chances of tooth trauma.

Reach Out Today

If you are suffering from tooth root resorption or you believe you are, reach out today. Your dentist will do everything they can to save your resorbed tooth and provide you with helpful tips to prevent the issue from happening again in the future.

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