My Blog
Archive:
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- fluoride (2)
- celebrity smiles (85)
- floss (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- common symptoms (1)
- oral health (30)
- oral hygiene (32)
- diabetes (1)
- smile makeover (7)
- cosmetic dentistry (20)
- veneers (6)
- invisalign (1)
- clear aligners (5)
- orthodontics (5)
- dental implants (21)
- chipped tooth (3)
- bonding (2)
- pediatric dentistry (6)
- teething (1)
- thumb sucking (2)
- oral cancer (6)
- orthodontic treatment (11)
- braces (9)
- dentures (5)
- pediatric care (2)
- pregnancy (3)
- gum disease (9)
- periodontal disease (3)
- tooth decay (15)
- crowns (8)
- local anesthesia (2)
- dental crowns (3)
- missing tooth (2)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (3)
- porcelain veneers (5)
- bleeding gums (1)
- bridgework (1)
- tooth pain (5)
- root canal treatment (2)
- plastic surgery (1)
- gum recession (1)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- x-rays (2)
- tooth grinding (1)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- dental injury (9)
- mouthguards (4)
- tooth extraction (1)
- toothache (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- tmd (3)
- tmj disorders (5)
- tmj (3)
- tooth wear (2)
- cancer (1)
- root canal (3)
- smoking (3)
- mouthguard (1)
- root resorption (1)
- canker sores (1)
- dental emergency (2)
- teeth wear (1)
- bad breath (1)
- teeth grinding (3)
- nutrition (6)
- sugar (2)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- dry mouth (2)
- missing teeth (2)
- implant dentistry (1)
- toothpaste (1)
- restorative dentistry (1)
- teeth whitening (3)
- Family Dentist (1)
- dental care (2)
- flossing (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- snoring (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- Damaged Teeth (2)
- tooth replacement (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- dentistry (1)
- x-ray (1)
- Family Dentistry (2)
- osteoporosis (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- CAT scans (1)
- bridge (1)
- bone loss (1)
- Dental Sealants (1)
- retainer (1)
- vitamins (1)
- mouthrinse (1)
- Gums (1)
- Root Canal Therapy (1)
- extraction (1)
- stress (1)
- dental exam (1)
As a new permanent tooth develops, the roots undergo a process of breakdown and growth. As older cells dissolve (a process called resorption), they’re replaced by newer cells laid down (deposition) as the jaw develops. Once the jaw development ends in early adulthood, root resorption normally stops. It’s a concern, then, if it continues.
Abnormal root resorption most often begins outside of the tooth and works its way in, beginning usually around the neck-like (or cervical) region of the tooth. Also known as external cervical resorption (ECR), the condition usually shows first as pink spots where the enamel is being undermined. As these spots continue to erode, they develop into cavity-like areas.
While its causes haven’t been fully confirmed, ECR has been linked to excessive pressure on teeth during orthodontic treatment, periodontal ligament trauma, teeth-grinding or other excessive force habits, and bleaching techniques performed inside a tooth. Fortunately, ECR is a rare occurrence, and most people who’ve had these problems won’t experience it.
When it does occur, though, it must be treated as quickly as possible because the damage can progress swiftly. Treatment depends on the size and location of the resorption: a small site can often be treated by surgically accessing the tooth through the gum tissue and removing the offending tissue cells. This is often followed with tooth-colored dental material that’s bonded to the tooth to replace lost structure.
A root canal treatment may be necessary if the damage has extended to the pulp, the tooth’s interior. However, there’s a point where the resorption becomes too extensive to save the tooth. In these cases, it may be necessary to remove the tooth and replace it with a dental implant or similar tooth restoration.
In its early stages, ECR may be difficult to detect, and even in cases where it’s been diagnosed more advanced diagnostics like a CBCT scanner may be needed to gauge the extent of damage. In any case, it’s important that you have your teeth examined on a regular basis, at least twice a year. In the rare chance you’ve developed ECR, the quicker it’s found and treatment begun, the better your chances of preserving the tooth.
If you would like more information on root resorption, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
