7449 East Osborn Road #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
What is Root Resorption
Root resorption is a perfectly normal and healthy thing — in a baby tooth about to be replaced by its adult counterpart. However, when the root of an adult tooth begins to break down, either from the inside or the outside, it puts the entire tooth in jeopardy and needs the attention of an endodontist.
In adults, root resorption is considered a pathological process, meaning it is not something the body should be doing and it requires professional intervention to stop. Left untreated, the breakdown of the root structure can progress to the point where the tooth can no longer be saved. The earlier it is caught, the more treatment options will be available to preserve your smile.
Treating Internal and External Root Resorption in Scottsdale, Arizona
Root resorption doesn't always have symptoms, and will often be detected by routine radiographs. The problem appears as an abnormal pulp chamber (internal resorption) or lesions to the outside of the tooth (external resorption). Depending on how extreme the resorption is, root canal therapy may be all that is needed to save the tooth.
Internal resorption occurs when cells inside the pulp begin to attack the surrounding dentin, hollowing out the tooth from within. External resorption, on the other hand, originates from outside the root and is often associated with trauma, orthodontic treatment, or chronic inflammation of the surrounding tissue.
What Causes Root Resorption in Adults
While the exact trigger is not always identifiable, several factors are known to increase the risk of root resorption in adult teeth:
- Dental Trauma — A blow to the mouth or jaw, even one that occurred years earlier, can trigger resorption as a delayed response.
- Orthodontic Treatment — Prolonged or excessive pressure from braces or aligners can occasionally contribute to external root resorption in susceptible patients.
- Chronic Inflammation — Persistent infection or gum disease in the tissue surrounding a tooth can stimulate resorptive activity on the root surface.
- Tooth Grinding or Clenching — Bruxism places ongoing stress on teeth and their supporting structures, which may accelerate root breakdown over time.
- Impacted Teeth — A tooth that has failed to erupt properly, such as a wisdom tooth, can press against and trigger resorption in the roots of neighboring teeth.
- Previous Dental Procedures — In some cases, root resorption can develop following bleaching, surgery, or other treatments, particularly if the tooth has an existing vulnerability.
How Dr. Brittain Can Help You
If you have a sensitive or painful tooth or you've noticed that it has developed a pinkish color or feels loose, these may be symptoms of root resorption. Give us a call at 480-719-6994 or send us an email right away to schedule an appointment so that Dr. Brittain can determine the next steps for the tooth. Patients throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tempe trust Dr. Brittain to handle complex tooth concerns with precision and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is root resorption?
Root resorption is a dental condition where the body breaks down and absorbs the tooth’s root structure, potentially weakening the tooth over time.What causes root resorption?
Common causes include dental trauma, orthodontic treatment, infections, or pressure on the teeth, though sometimes the cause is unknown.What are the symptoms of root resorption?
It may not show early symptoms, but advanced cases can include tooth discoloration, sensitivity, loosening, or pain.Can root resorption be treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity and may include monitoring, root canal therapy, or extraction in severe cases.How can root resorption be prevented?
Regular dental checkups, early diagnosis, and managing risk factors like trauma or excessive orthodontic force can help reduce the risk.