A Dental Mystery: Root Resorption

Root resorption is a rare condition in which permanent teeth break down and are resorbed by the nerves around it. Resorption can occur from inside the tooth or outside it. It’s most often seen in the upper canines and incisors and lower first molars.

Why does this happen? That’s the mystery! This isn’t a hereditary condition or contagious. The best explanation is that this can happen as a result of injury that causes the root or nerve tissue to become inflamed.

One dental website thinks too much pressure from orthodontic treatment can be a contributing factor to resorption later in life. People who grind their teeth may also be at risk. Intracoronal teeth bleaching can be another cause. Thankfully, most people who have these treatments never experience this problem.

Lack of Pain Disguises the Problem

Because the early stages of resorption don’t cause pain, many people are unaware of it unless they have had a dental exam. Typically, the teeth look like they may be developing a cavity but unlike this common condition, there is none of the stickiness present in cavities. That’s because the outer tooth layer (cementum) and internal layer (dentin) are being worn away.

Treating Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption is treated by endodontists who perform a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the root or nerve. They put medicine inside the tooth and replace it periodically.

If the endodontist thinks the tooth can be saved, he or she will then do a root canal to seal the bottom of the tooth. A general dentist can then put a crown on the tooth surface.

Some cases of resorption may require gum surgery by a periodontist to expose the root, remove tissue causing the problem, and filling in the gaps with resin.

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