The term resorption is used in dentistry to describe the loss of one or more parts of a tooth. This is often due to trauma to the mouth from an accident or injury. This issue can also be caused by untreated dental issues.
Tooth resorption describes the loss of a part of a tooth that actually absorbs back into the body. Different parts of the tooth can experience resorption including the root, pulp, cementum, and dentin.
In most cases, the outside of the tooth is initially affected and then the issue spreads to the inside region. Loss of portions of the tooth are often combined with gums that are red or swollen in addition to the teeth being pink or having dark spots. Resorption can be challenging to diagnose as the symptoms are not always obvious and can be related to another oral health issue.
Infection, misalignment, tooth loss, and other oral health issues can also occur along with resorption. When the issue remains untreated, patients can experience serious, long-term damage. If a patient suspects that their teeth are experiencing signs of resorption, they should follow up with a dentist immediately to begin treatment.
There are two types of tooth resorption which includes internal and external. The type of resorption depends on the location of the damage.
As the name suggests, the interior inside of the tooth is affected with internal resorption. This form is less common and more prevalent in men or patients who have had oral surgery. With internal resorption, the tissues inside the teeth are impacted. As a result, patients are often not aware they are even affected by the issue. This type of resorption is commonly detected through routine dental X-rays.
External resorption is more common. Any portion of the outside of the tooth can be affected, making this form of resorption more obvious. The damage can appear as chips or deep holes. Roots which are affected can often be seen through an X-ray as the roots are shorter and the tips are flat on the image.
Resorption is very serious when it affects the permanent or adult teeth. It is actually a necessary part of development in the baby teeth. The roots resorb allowing the teeth to fall out, making room for the permanent teeth.
There are different things that can cause tooth resorption. In cases of external resorption, it is often due to an injury or trauma that affects the mouth. This results in swelling and causes the loss of bone and tissue which supports the teeth. Other causes include grinding, orthodontic appliances such as braces, and teeth whitening which contains harsh chemicals.
In most cases, internal resorption is due to an injury or swelling. Swelling can be caused by untreated cavities or decay. The cause of tooth resorption is not well understood.
In order to diagnose tooth resorption, dental professionals will typically examine the area surrounding the damaged tooth. They may also obtain X-rays which help them understand how severe the resorption is and the amount of damage.
There are various treatments used depending on the severity of the issue and where the resorption took place. Treatment focuses on preventing additional damage and preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible. In order to prevent the issue from spreading to other parts of the tooth, the damaged portions will be removed. A crown is commonly placed over the damaged tooth to provide added strength and stability. Crowns also aid in restoring the appearance of the tooth.
If it can't be avoided, the tooth will be extracted.