When your dentist mentions you have tooth resorption, many people have no idea what that means, since it’s not a condition that’s commonly talked about outside of the dental world. While a naturally occurring process for baby teeth, tooth resorption in adults is cause for concern.

#1. Tooth Resorption Is Your Body Rejecting Your Tooth

Tooth resorption refers to a type of dental injury where your body starts to reject your tooth as a means of self-defense. It results in the loss of parts of your teeth and can affect many areas of your tooth, such as your root, your tooth’s pulp, your dentin (the tissue under the enamel), and your cementum (which covers your root). It typically starts on the exterior of your tooth and moves inwards, though this isn’t always the case.

#2. There Are Two Kinds: Internal And External

Depending on where you’re experiencing loss of parts of your teeth, your tooth resorption may be internal or external. 

Internal resorption is less common and people often can’t tell whether or not they have it, as it affects the interior of your tooth. Instead, your dentist will be able to find your internal resorption on dental X-rays, which will show dark spots where you’re missing internal tissue.

External resorption is a lot more common than internal resorption and it is easier to tell if you have it. It can affect any part of the exterior of your tooth, from your roots to your enamel. It can appear as chips or holes in your teeth, as well as shortened or flattened roots on dental X-rays.

#3. It’s Normal And Not Cause For Concern For Children

While tooth resorption is deeply concerning when it comes to your permanent teeth and can result in long-term damage, it’s just part of the developmental process for your baby teeth. It’s part of how your body makes room for your permanent teeth, by having the roots of the baby teeth undergo resorption. 

#4. There Are Many Potential Causes

Tooth resorption can occur for any number of reasons. Internal resorption is most commonly caused by traumatic injuries, though it can also result from bacteria or chemical exposure. External resorption can be caused by asthma, genetics, age, malocclusion, prolonged orthodontic treatment, injuries to the mouth and teeth, and more. 

The exact causes of tooth resorption aren’t something that are well understood as of yet, especially since it can be caused by so many different things.

#5. There Aren’t Always Clear Symptoms

As mentioned before, many people don’t even realize that they have internal tooth resorption until their dentist points it out on an X-ray. However, especially as the condition worsens, there are some common symptoms that you may notice, such as:

• Tooth pain
• Swollen red gums
• Holes in your teeth
• Chips on your teeth
• Unusual spacing between your teeth
• Discolored teeth, pink or dark
• Brittle teeth
• Decay

#6. Untreated Tooth Resorption Leads To Many Complications

If you have tooth resorption, you don’t want to leave it untreated. As with most dental problems, leaving tooth resorption untreated can worsen the condition and lead to complications, such as:

• Discoloration
• Crooked teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Missing teeth
• Holes in your teeth
• Gum recession
• Weakened teeth
• Pain
• Infection
• Loss of your tooth

#7. Diagnosis Depends On What Part Of Your Tooth Is Affected

As mentioned previously, it’s easier to diagnose external resorption than internal. This is because how tooth resorption is diagnosed depends on what part of your tooth is affected by it. Internal resorption can be diagnosed via dental X-rays and dentists noticing dark spots in your teeth. External resorption can usually be seen with the naked eye.

In both cases, your dental professional will examine your tooth in order to determine the damage caused and the extent of your resorption.

#8. Treatment Also Depends On What Part Of Your Tooth Is Affected

You’ll likely be relieved to hear that tooth resorption can be treated. What kind of treatment you receive will depend on what part of your tooth has been affected by it, as well as how extensive the resorption is. Treatment is meant to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible, and includes:

• Root canals
• Crowns
• Gum surgery
• Tooth extraction

David G. Johnson, D.D.S. offers tooth resorption treatments. If you suspect you have tooth resorption, we can treat it. Contact us today to learn more. 

If your tooth has been infected or damaged or decayed, more likely than not, you’ll need to see an endodontist for a root canal. In cases where root canals failed or simply weren’t enough to save your natural tooth, in the past, your only option likely would have been to have it pulled. Now, if a root canal isn’t enough, you can have an apicoectomy done. 

If you’re wondering about the differences between a root canal vs apicoectomy, here’s a guide to help you understand when you would need a root canal vs apicoectomy, what differentiates the procedures, and the signs that will help you identify when you may opt for a root canal vs apicoectomy.

Root Canal Vs Apicoectomy: The Differences

Both root canals and apicoectomies are dental procedures done to decayed teeth that strive to save your natural tooth. Endodontists will always do everything in their power to preserve your natural teeth, hence how now, if a root canal isn’t enough, you could have an apicoectomy done, rather than needing to jump right to extraction and having implants put in. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between what a root canal is and what an apicoectomy is. 

What A Root Canal Is

A root canal is done when the pulp of your tooth has been compromised due to decay, a fracture, a crack, infection, or other such damages, but there is enough of your tooth structure that is healthy and can be saved. If the rest of your tooth aside from the pulp is in good condition, the pulp can be removed and filled in with a dental filling. If necessary, a crown will be placed over your tooth in order to protect it and strengthen it. 

What An Apicoectomy Is

An apicoectomy is done when a root canal fails and another root canal isn’t an option. In some cases, if your root canal fails and the pulp of your teeth are infected again, another one can be done, but this would involve the removal of the crown, which can damage your gum line and the root of your tooth. If retreatment was not successful or not possible, your endodontist may recommend that you get an apicoectomy.

An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes infection from the root of your tooth and then is sealed and your gums are sutured in order to prevent it from becoming infected again and to promote healing. 

Root Canal Vs Apicoectomy: The Warning Signs

Knowing whether you need a root canal vs apicoectomy can be very difficult on your own, which is why it’s vital to maintain your regular dental appointments. While you can sometimes tell that there are signs you need a root canal, in many cases, you may not even notice, but your dentist would be able to tell. With apicoectomies too, it’s important to see an endodontist. There are several options for if your root canal fails, and your endodontist will be able to determine whether or not an apicoectomy is the right one for you. 

Signs You Need A Root Canal

It’s commonly said that you can tell you need a root canal if your tooth hurts. Pain is certainly an indicator of a potential root canal, but it’s not the only one. Some of the signs that you need a root canal include:

• Swollen gums
• Sensitivity to temperature
• Discolored teeth
• Chipped/cracked teeth
• Pain when putting pressure on your tooth
• Throbbing pain when you lie down
• Abscess/infection

Signs You Need An Apicoectomy

Since apicoectomies are needed after root canals fail, you’ll notice some of the similar signs, in addition to:

• Calcium deposits
• Re-infection
• Damage to the root structure/surrounding bone
• Tooth pain that persists after a root canal
• Inflammation and infection that persist after a root canal
• Discoloration

Root Canal Vs Apicoectomy: The Procedures

Root canals and apicoectomies are two separate procedures with the same end goal: save your tooth. When people say root canal vs apicoectomy, you may take that to mean that the two procedures are competing for which one is better. This isn’t true. They’re both meant to preserve your natural teeth, and apicoectomies are only needed if a root canal isn’t enough. 

The root canal and apicoectomy procedures are similar, but not the same. Here’s what you can expect with a root canal vs apicoectomy procedure. 

The Process Of Getting A Root Canal

When you get a root canal, your dentist will drill a hole into your tooth in order to remove the infected pulp. They’ll then disinfect it and fill it, as well as fill in the access hole. If necessary, your dentist will place a crown over your tooth to keep it strong and protected. 

The Process Of Getting An Apicoectomy

Root canals take place over the gum that we chew with, but an apicoectomy takes place at the apex of the root, the tip of it. From there, infected pulp is removed and then the end of your root is sealed. Since this procedure takes place under the gumline, a small incision is made so the endodontist can access it that is then sutured. 

If you need more information about root canals versus apicoectomies or are wondering if you may need one or the other, contact David G. Johnson, DDS today. We offer both root canals and apicoectomies and will do whatever we can to help you save your tooth.