What Is Root Resorption?

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When your little one’s teeth fall out, they actually go through a process known as resorption. During this process, the roots of your child’s teeth will be reabsorbed into the gums, which allow the teeth to fall out. However, adults could also have resorption, which could lead to a number of problems. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to address this issue.

Tooth trauma and tooth decay could each trigger tooth resorption. Similarly, if you suffer from teeth grinding—also known as bruxism—you could suffer from inflammation, which could also trigger this issue. Cavities, genetics, and nutritional deficiencies have also all been linked to resorption as well.

Unfortunately, resorption can be hard to recognize and many patients ignore the signs until it’s too late. Catching this issue early is one key to successful treatment. This is another reason we recommend scheduling an appointment with us every six months.

If your case is minor, our dentist may be able to remove the affected portion of the tooth and fill it like he would a cavity. If the damage is more extensive and has affected your dentin—which is an inner layer of your teeth—we may recommend root canal therapy. If the issue is severe enough, we may suggest a tooth extraction.

If you’re interested in learning more about resorption, please don’t hesitate to contact Orangeburg Dental Associates at 803-534-1020. Our dentist, Dr. Samuel Lambrecht will be happy to examine your teeth and answer any questions you have. We’re excited to hear from you soon!