Can you Fix Tooth Resorption?
Dental bone resorption is a process in which the bone tissue surrounding the teeth is lost. It can occur in different parts of your mouth, such as the roots or the alveolar bone that holds the teeth in place.
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of root resorption include:
- Tooth sensitivity: Exposure of dentin due to bone loss can cause tooth sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Tooth mobility: Teeth may become loose or move due to loss of bone support.
- Dental pain: May cause discomfort or pain in the teeth or gums.
- Changes in dental appearance: Teeth may appear longer as gingival recession occurs due to bone loss.
- Gaps between teeth: Bone loss can result in teeth separating, which can affect biting and chewing function.
- Gum inflammation: It can cause inflammation and redness of the gums, known as gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Tooth abscesses: Bacterial infection in the soft tissues around affected teeth can cause tooth abscesses, which are characterized by swelling, tenderness, and pain.
Causes of dental bone resorption
The causes can be various and can cause dental mobility, tooth loss and even affect the facial structure and include:
- Periodontal disease
- Dental trauma
- Dental infections
- Bruxism (the involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth)
- Malocclusion (a misaligned bite)
- Genetic factors
- Use of removable prostheses
- Osteoporosis
- Aging
Treatment of root resorption
Early detection and intervention are key to minimizing the impact of root resorption on oral health. Treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the case. Some treatment options may include:
Periodontal treatment
If bone resorption is caused by periodontal disease, treatment may involve professional cleanings, scaling and root planning, and possibly periodontal surgery to eliminate inflammation and promote healing of bone tissue.
Endodontics
If bone resorption is associated with infections in the roots of the teeth, root canal or endodontic treatments may be necessary to eliminate the infection and save the tooth.
Oral surgery
In advanced cases of bone resorption, it may be necessary to perform maxillofacial surgery to restore lost bone tissue and improve dental stability.
Correction of malocclusion
If root resorption is related to a misaligned bite, orthodontic treatments, such as braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign, may be recommended to correct tooth alignment and reduce pressure on the alveolar bone.
Dental implants
In cases of tooth loss or extraction due to root resorption, dental implants can be an effective treatment option to restore dental function and aesthetics.
In case of significant bone loss problems
If you have severe bone loss problems and it is not possible to place an implant, you should know that today and thanks to advances in oral and maxillofacial treatments, even in patients with partial or total bone loss, teeth can still be restored with the most advanced, painless, and minimally invasive techniques available today. Examples of this are zygomatic implants, pterygoid implants, and bone grafts. All of these implant options are very effective options that can help you restore comfort and functionality.