Exposed tooth roots are not common and are usually a sign that something is wrong. In a healthy mouth, the roots of the teeth should be obscured by supple, vital gum tissue up to the gumline. The tooth roots can become exposed if the gum tissue pulls away from the roots of the tooth, which can happen when gum disease is present or if the gums are damaged from overly aggressive brushing, and they can also become exposed if the tooth has developed outside of the bone, which can happen as a result of orthodontic treatment. Patients with unevenly shaped teeth may also be more prone to exposed tooth roots. Regardless of the cause of an exposed tooth root, dental attention is necessary. Your dentist will measure and monitor the area of gingival recession and recommend periodontal treatment when needed. Sometimes exposed tooth roots are painful or dangerous, encouraging sensitivity and infection in vulnerable oral tissues; in these cases, prompt treatment could save the life of the tooth and the health of the surrounding bone and soft tissue. When gum recession is less significant and isn’t a sign of gum disease, your dentist may prefer to monitor the gums for progressive damage while you focus on improved, safer brushing and flossing.
In some cases, exposed tooth roots can be left untreated, as long as your dentist has determined that the cause isn’t gum disease. When the tooth roots become exposed due to gum disease, treatment is imperative. When diseased gum tissue grows inflamed, it starts to pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots of the teeth and causing pain and sensitivity while drinking or brushing. As the gums continue to swell away from the teeth, pockets form between the gums and the teeth, breeding bacteria while allowing infection to spread into the teeth, bone, soft tissues, and bloodstream. As the damage progresses, bone tissue is destroyed, infection spreads, and the tooth is lost.
If one of your teeth looks longer than normal, this might be a sign that the gums have started to pull away from the tooth and the root is exposed. This problem will only grow worse when left unaddressed, and a prompt visit to the dentist could make a tremendous difference in treatment outcomes. Other early signs of exposed tooth roots could include extreme sensitivity in the area, especially when exposed to pressure or extreme temperature; visibly deep pockets in the gums, swelling and redness in the surrounding area; a stinging or sore feeling in the tissue; or a shaky feeling in one of the teeth when chewing.
When exposed roots are the result of gum disease, disease is treated before restorative treatments, like flap surgeries, can commence. When improper brushing causes exposed tooth roots, brushing habits are modified. Gum tissue won’t grow back, but its destruction can be halted with some behavior modification, and, if damage is significant, it can be restored with graft surgeries. If a damaged or improperly shaped tooth is the cause of exposed tooth roots, your dentist might treat the issue with a dental crown. If the tooth is irreparably decayed or infected, it may need to be extracted. Regardless of the cause, early dental attention for exposed tooth roots could make a major difference in the health of your teeth and your oral cavity.