Is Exposed Tooth Roots an Emergency?

You might not think exposed tooth roots are especially serious, but they can have a long-lasting impact on your oral health if you leave the issue untreated. If you have exposed tooth roots, you are likely to experience tooth decay and infection, so you should see your dentist as soon as possible. You must always be diligent in caring for your teeth, but unfortunately, even if you are meticulous with brushing and flossing, you can still have exposed tooth roots.

What Causes Exposed Tooth Roots?

The roots of your teeth can become exposed due to different factors, especially age. Over time, it is not uncommon for your tooth roots to become exposed when your gums begin to naturally recede. The roots of your teeth connect to your jawbone. Because your teeth are porous, a normal and natural condition, the roots can absorb bacteria and toxins into your bloodstream.

Also, if you have gum disease or inflamed or swollen gums, the result is often receding gums and exposed tooth roots. Fortunately, if you are vigilant about checking the condition of your teeth when you brush and floss, exposed tooth roots are often easy to see. Early detection and talking about the problem with your dentist are the best ways to solve the issue and help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

What are Signs of Exposed Tooth Roots?

If you notice that a tooth is sensitive, you could have an exposed root. While symptoms of exposed tooth roots vary from person to person, the most common are pain, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold foods or liquids, and increased plaque near the tooth. You may also notice a foul odor from your mouth.

A loose tooth is another telltale sign that you have an exposed root. Often this is because the blood supply to the tooth has been interrupted, which can make the tooth loose. Visit your dentist as soon as possible if you have exposed roots on a tooth and it is loose.

What are my Options for Fixing Exposed Tooth Roots?

Depending on your individual issue, your dentist will recommend the following treatment options:

Composite bonding resin can be used to cover exposed roots and protect a tooth from further decay.
A gum graft, usually with tissue taken from the roof of your mouth, can be sutured into place to cover areas with little or no gum tissue.
A root canal may be necessary when infection develops. An endodontist will remove the infected pulp in your tooth, then fill and seal the opening. A root canal is a common and very successful oral health procedure.
A crown is another common and effective treatment. Your dentist will place a gold crown over your tooth to protect it. For a visible tooth, the gold will be covered with durable porcelain.

Can I Lose a Tooth if I Have Exposed Roots?

Unfortunately, for advanced oral health issues due to exposed tooth roots, extraction is sometimes the best course of action for your dentist. To preserve your smile and the overall health of your teeth, your dentist can replace missing teeth with dental implants. Made from durable metal such as titanium, dental implants can be used to replace teeth for a completely natural look.

Work with Your Dentist for Healthy Teeth and Gums

One way to check for exposed tooth roots is using your tongue to feel around your teeth and gums for anything different from the surrounding tissue. If you notice something unusual, you could have an exposed tooth root that needs to be treated. You can also use a mirror to look at your teeth and gums for anything out of the ordinary. For example, a tooth may look longer than usual when your tooth roots are exposed due to receding gums.

See your dentist as soon as possible to treat exposed tooth roots. Always brush thoroughly, but gently, twice daily for two minutes; floss at least once a day; use antibacterial mouthwash; and avoid acidic or sugary foods.

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