What Happens if a Reabsorbed Tooth is Left Untreated?
Tooth resorption is a serious condition, and a reabsorbed tooth should be treated as soon as possible. But what happens if the tooth is left untreated?
Below is information about tooth resorption, treatment options, and what happens if a reabsorbed tooth is left untreated.
What are the Types of Resorption?
The types of tooth root resorption include:
- External Cervical Resorption: This condition involves the erosion of the cervical region of a tooth due to resorption. This is generally caused by trauma, orthodontic treatment, or whitening.
- External Apical Resorption: This form of resorption involves the dissolving of the roots of a tooth. While this is natural for baby teeth, for adult teeth it is a major cause for concern. Often, this is caused by a tooth abscess.
- Internal Resorption: This form of resorption involves the hollowing of a patient’s tooth from the inside out. Generally, internal resorption is caused by infection or trauma.
What Are the Symptoms?
There are some common symptoms of tooth resorption that you can look out for. These include:
- Gum recession
- Changes in a tooth’s shape
- Pain
- Tooth fragility
- Tooth discoloration
While these symptoms are indicative of tooth resorption, you may be suffering from a different oral health condition with similar symptoms. Make sure you schedule an appointment with a dentist to determine the underlying condition causing the symptoms so it can be addressed.
What Happens if a Reabsorbed Tooth is Left Untreated?
It’s imperative that you treat a tooth that is being reabsorbed. If left untreated, you may experience:
- Pain
- Chipping
- Discoloration
- Infection
If left untreated for long enough, you may actually experience tooth loss, or your tooth may need to be extracted. Don’t wait for your tooth to become loose and fall out. Set an appointment today if you suspect tooth resorption.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
There are a few treatment options for tooth root resorption.
If you catch the issue early enough, tooth root resorption can often be treated with a simple root canal. This involves your dentist removing infected tooth pulp, and then cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing your tooth. If the condition is more severe, surgery may be required.
Of course, if you leave your resorbed tooth untreated, your dentist may be left with only one option—tooth extraction (then potentially implants). That’s why it is so important to schedule an appointment if you notice the symptoms, and schedule ongoing appointments for dental cleanings and checkups every six months.
Prevention
To avoid tooth resorption:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss daily
- Rinse your mouth daily
- Wear a mouthpiece when playing sports
- Visit your dentist regularly
Resorption can’t always be prevented, but these tips will help you to lower the chances of resorption.
Contact Us
If you believe you are suffering from tooth resorption, or you have been diagnosed and haven’t set a date for treatment, contact us today. We’ll schedule an appointment for one of our top dentists to provide you with the treatment you need.
Don’t wait for tooth resorption to worsen. Schedule your appointment today.