Can you Fix Tooth Resorption?
Tooth resorption is a serious condition which can only be diagnosed by a dental care professional. You should regularly see your dentist for cleanings and checkups, and be sure to call whenever fishy signs or symptoms pop up in your teeth. Commonly, people do not like to see their dentist, or only go when something is bothering them. The sooner you communicate with them that your are having a problem, the sooner you can work together to find a solution. They are your dental care team, do not be afraid to leverage their expertise.
Diagnosing Tooth Resorption
Begin by scheduling and attending an appointment. You may call because of pain, bad breath, bleeding, or you noticed a reddish hue on your teeth. Go in and see your dentist, request a cleaning and some updated x rays. Your care team will require x rays to determine whether the culprit is tooth resorption, or an absorbing and breaking down of tooth material. The x rays will allow your care team to view the internal structures of your teeth to see if the tooth is hollow, or the dentin and cementum are being absorbed. The same cell structures that helped your baby teeth fall out, called odontoclasts, can begin to target your adult teeth–if they recognize a foreign antibody presence. This is usually a result of severe trauma, infection, or exposure to high level chemicals.
Types of Resorption
Internal Resorption- Internal Resorption occurs when the internal vessel of the tooth begins absorbing tooth material; breaking itself down like a black hole. The internal cavity of the tooth saps dentin and cementum from the outside of the tooth, leading to a reddish hue and weakened structural support of the tooth.
External Resorption- External resorption is a little harder to identify on its own, because it so often goes hand in hand with internal resorption. There is usually evidence of cosmetic damage to the external tooth structure. This is usually due to trauma or forced movement of the teeth, as through orthodontic braces or otherwise.
Treating Tooth Resorption
The treatment for tooth resorption will depend on the severity of the tooth resorption itself. If the infection or underlying disease is severe enough, your dentist may opt to extract the entire tooth structure. In the hopes that by removing unhealthy tissues the healthy ones will once again flourish. They may choose to use a smaller less invasive procedure wherein they open a small section and remove specific portions of unhealthy gum tissue. They may even consider a root canal treatment, to try to save the underlying support of the tooth from intense decay and infection.
What to do next
See your dentist. Request a thorough cleaning and examination. Then, regardless of the diagnosis, recommit to a fastidious dental care routine. The best protection against trauma, infection, and disease is a strong hygiene routine in your mouth. Practice regular flossing, brushing, mouthwash, and attend your regular cleanings. Try to prepare for problems before they happen.