Root Resorption

Teeth are strong and healthy only until the roots are safe. Roots play an important role in providing strength and supplying essential nourishment to the teeth. Any problem with the root can result in tooth problems. One such problem is root resorption. Destruction or breakdown of the roots of a tooth by living body cells is known as root resorption.

The cells which are responsible for resorption originate from the leukocytes in the bone marrow. They can affect the roots, externally as well as internally, and may even cause tooth resorption which will further result in tooth loss. So, let's find out the causes, symptoms and treatments of this dental problem.

Resorption of root can be internal or external. Internal resorption is related to the destruction caused to the internal make up of the roots, whereas external resorption, which is more common than the internal one, is related to the damage caused to the external roots. Following are some of the causes that are responsible for root resorption. These causes define various types of root absorption.

• Orthodontic movement may put pressure on the tooth which may further result in the external resorption. This is one of the most common causes, and most people face problems after undergoing any type of dental work. This is known as orthodontic pressure resorption.

• Infections such as intrapulpal may result in internal resorption and is known as pulpal infection resorption, whereas periodontal infection affects pericementum and causes external resorption. This is known as periodontal infection resorption.

• Tumors may also put pressure on the roots and result in external degradation of roots. This is known as impacted tooth, or tumor pressure resorption.
• Trauma can cause injury to different parts of the roots which may result in the resorption of root. Though the injuries can be cured, if left untreated, it may result in chronic conditions.

• There is a type of resorption which is a natural process. It is deciduous root resorption. This resorption takes place when the primary teeth or milk teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. It is caused due to the pressure of the erupting permanent teeth.

Root resorption is not accompanied by many symptoms, and this is the reason it is noticed when the tooth loosens and is about to fall. External resorption may result in inflammation and swelling of the area surrounding the root. It can be easily reflected in the X-rays.

Hence, if a person regularly goes for a dental check up then this dental condition can be easily noticed. As this condition occurs commonly after any dental work, it is very important to go for regular dental check up in order to save your teeth from falling.

If root resorption is mild then it may not need any treatment, as it heals by itself within two weeks. But if the damage is severe, then it may require treatment as the resorption can be easily noticed because of swelling and inflammation. The doctor may try to move the tooth to its place with the help of braces in case of mild injuries which will decrease the chances of body cells attacking the roots.

In severe cases the tooth will either fall or will be extracted. But it will totally depend upon the condition of the roots. In some cases the tooth remains intact in its position, even in severe root resorption. Root canal therapy may also be recommended by the doctor in which the destructed root is cleaned and then filled and the pulp and root canal is left to regrow.

Root resorption can be avoided with the help of regular dental check ups. To retain the tooth, one needs to get it treated in the early stage itself, as later on the condition may get critical. So, save your teeth as they add to your face value.