How do you fix exposed tooth roots?
As you get older you may start to notice your gums shrink a little. To some, this is inevitable and will happen. For others, the teeth will begin to look longer, more gnarled, and less healthy. Upon further investigation it may be revealed that the patient is suffering from exposed tooth roots, and dental intervention will be necessary to begin the healing process.
What are the signs and symptoms of Exposed Tooth Roots?
- Bad Breath- Yuck! No one loves it. Usually there is some decaying gum tissue or bacteria under the surface that is causing halitosis.
- Bleeding- Bleeding is common with advanced dental infection or disease and patients often report that other discharge follows, like pus or foul tasting saliva.
- Long Teeth- As the gum shrink down, the tooth appears longer. This is fairly common, but there is a point where it can become unsightly or dangerous for the tooth itself, as it will lack stability in the jaw.
- Pain- Yes of course. As your gums are prying themselves away from your teeth, and your tooth is removing itself from the jaw, you may experience tremendous pain.
- Tooth Shifting- The gums keep your teeth healthy and in place. As they flee the surface of the tooth, the tooth is more likely to become unrooted and move around in the jaw.
- Tooth Loss- This goes hand in hand with shifting teeth, just like when you’re a kid and lose you baby teeth.
What causes Exposed Tooth Roots?
1. Infection- The number one cause of bleeding, gum disease, and tooth loss. Dental Infections all start the same way–bacteria gains access to the bloodstream. Whether this is because of food in the mouth that never made its way from in between the teeth, or a cut in the mouth that was exposed to bacteria before it could heal. Dental Infections require hygienic intervention. See your dentist.
2. Disease- Disease develops after infection, or you are born with it. Either way, frequent check ins with your dentist will help to protect you in the long run from constant problems with your teeth.
3. Trauma- The occasional emergency room visit following a fall or a hit to the jaw is going to happen. There is a lot available in moder medicine and many Emergency Rooms have access to Emergency Dentists.
How can you Fix Exposed Roots?
See your dentist. Make a proper appointment and begin with hygiene. A thorough cleaning will help everyone involved start on the right foot. With an updated x ray following and a complete examination, you and your dentist can discuss the proper course of action. Dentists often choose one of the following to repair exposed tooth roots:
1. Root Canal- Mildly Invasive outpatient procedure where the gums are mined for bacteria under the tooth.
2. Tooth Extraction- This is nice because the entire area under the tooth can be addressed, it just sucks that you lose the tooth, but the good news is...
3. Tooth Replacement- Tooth Replacement has never been easier, more comprehensive, and more attainable for the average person.