What Happens if a Reabsorbed Tooth is Left Untreated
Tooth resorption is a common dental issue that can occur from outside of the tooth in or from the inside out, affecting all layers of the tooth where the tooth is actually absorbed by the body. There are a few layers that make up each tooth: the pulp, dentin, cementum, and enamel.
The pulp, which holds the nerves and blood supply of each tooth, lies within the root canals of each tooth. The next layer is the dentin, the hard surface that makes up the majority of the tooth structure for the crown (the visible part of the tooth) and the roots. The outermost layers are the cementum, which covers the roots, and the enamel, which covers the crown.
Resorption is most often caused by trauma or injury to a tooth, like in a fall or accident. Orthodontic treatment that progresses too quickly or is prolonged can also lead to root resorption.
How do I know if I have tooth resorption?
Symptoms of dental resorption are not always evident but you may notice dark or pink spots on the teeth, redness and swelling of the gum tissue, brittleness, or even pain. Symptoms typically become more evident as the condition worsens.
Internal resorption affects the inside of the tooth, becoming reabsorbed from the inside out, and is not as common as external resorption. Patients who have had extensive oral surgery or an infection may develop internal tooth resorption. External tooth resorption is more common and affects the outside of the tooth, being reabsorbed from the outside in.
What happens if a resorbed tooth is left untreated?
When resorption is caught early, the tooth may be saved with endodontic treatment in the form of root canal therapy. Left untreated, tooth resorption will eventually lead to tooth loss. In the event that you have to have a tooth extracted or you do nothing if the tooth falls out on its own, there are replacement options which your dentist will help you with.
Implants are one of the most effective and natural-looking ways to restore a missing tooth and have the added benefit of supporting bone health! Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants but another restorative option to replace a tooth is a dental bridge.
Bridges are less expensive and the process is faster than implants, however, a bridge relies on the support of neighboring teeth onto which it is anchored so it is important for the surrounding bone and teeth to be healthy and stable. Bridges do not stimulate bone regeneration like implants and can lead to bone deterioration in the area of the missing tooth.
Any changes in your mouth should be addressed by your dentist as soon as possible. Early detection is key to treatment success and to prevent further damage to the area. Regular visits to your dentist will ensure the health of your teeth and catch any abnormalities before they can progress.