What Happens if a Reabsorbed Tooth is Left Untreated?
Tooth resorption is a term used to describe a common type of dental injury or irritation that causes the loss of one or more parts of a tooth. Tooth resorption can occur either inside the tooth (internal resorption) or outside the tooth (external resorption).
Dental internal resorption is a disease process where specialized cells inside the tooth begin to break down and absorb the dentin structure from the pulp chamber or root canal. Internal resorption can be caused by various factors, such as traumatic injuries, infections or dental procedures. If left untreated, it can lead to significant loss of tooth structure and eventually tooth loss.
Dental external resorption occurs when specialized cells on the outside of the tooth begin to break down and absorb the root surface of the tooth. External resorption can be caused by dental trauma, periodontal infections, excessive pressure on the tooth or inflammatory factors. It can be detected by signs such as loss of the bone ridge around the tooth root or changes in the shape of the tooth root on dental x-rays. If left untreated, external resorption can also lead to tooth loss.
External resorption: causes and interventions
External resorption, on the other hand, attacks the tooth from the outside. Various factors, such as trauma, infections, or orthodontic procedures, can be the cause. Early diagnosis is essential to save tooth structure. Treatment may include removal of granulation tissue and reconstruction of the affected area. Eventually, extraction may become necessary.
Prevention and monitoring in the management of internal and external resorption
Prevention and monitoring are crucial in the management of internal and external resorption. These conditions require increased vigilance for their early detection and treatment. Regular visits to the dental office, supplemented by thorough radiographic examinations, are essential to effectively monitor and diagnose internal and external resorption. This proactive approach allows dentists specializing in endodontics to act quickly, thus reducing the risks and consequences of internal and external resorption on the oral health of patients.
What are the causes of tooth resorption?
There are various causes that can give rise to the resorption of a tooth. External resorption is often caused by injuries to the mouth and teeth that cause swelling and loss of bone and tissue around the tooth. Such injuries can occur, for example, from prolonged use of traditional orthodontic appliances, teeth grinding or teeth whitening. Most often, internal resorption is caused by physical trauma to a tooth or by swelling of the inside of a tooth due to untreated decay. However, the exact causes of tooth resorption are not well understood.
What are the symptoms of tooth resorption?
Tooth resorption does not always have obvious and easily recognizable symptoms. In many cases, people may not notice resorption for years.
However, as resorption worsens, symptoms often manifest themselves more clearly:
- pain localized in the root, crown or innermost part of the tooth
- dark or pinkish discoloration
- swelling and redness of the gums
- unusual spacing between teeth
- teeth that have become more fragile and chip easily
- holes in the teeth
How is it diagnosed?
How your dentist diagnoses resorption depends on which part of the tooth is affected. External absorption is usually more visible, so it is easier to diagnose. While for the internal one we will perform in-depth x-ray tests. If you suspect resorption, do not hesitate to contact your dentist.