Can a Reabsorbed Tooth Be Saved?
The resorption of the tooth is a process in which the tooth itself, for reasons that are not always clear, begins to break down the tissues surrounding the tooth root, attacks the root itself, until the tooth falls out. When this affects a permanent tooth, it is a degenerative pathology with non-reversible effects, which must therefore be identified and, if possible, stopped only with intervention by your dentist. If it is caught early, there is a possibility that the tooth can be saved.
The cause of reabsorption
In children, resorption is a natural process foreseen by our body to allow the eruption of the teeth underneath the baby teeth. However, if this happens in adulthood (or in any case for a permanent tooth), it is not something physiological; in these cases, the triggering cause may be:
Pulpitis
Pulpitis causes the root canal to widen and can even perforate it, causing the infection to touch the periodontal ligament. The therapy consists of root canal treatment. Sometimes internal resorption is noticed because the tooth takes on a pink color starting from the neck area, indicating that the internal layer of dentin is so eroded that the color of the pulp shines through.
Periodontal disease
When the infection affects the dental cement surrounding the roots, the odontoclasts are activated, which initiate external root resorption. The same outcome can occur if the damage to the cement is caused by trauma or excessive use of hydrogen peroxide during a poorly performed whitening therapy (for example, in the case of do-it-yourself).
Orthodontic appliance
Unfortunately, too rapid movements can cause external root resorption due to damage to the periodontal tissue which occurred during the movement of the roots. It is one of the main reasons why Orthodontics times cannot be compressed beyond a certain point.
Impact with another tooth
It often occurs in adults when an impacted wisdom tooth tries to erupt by colliding with the roots of the nearby molar. The same thing can happen in the case of a tumor or a cyst.
Tooth fell out and then reimplanted
Following a serious traumatic injury, the fallen tooth can be recovered and then put back in its place by the dentist. However, sometimes, damage to the cementum or periodontal tissue is such that the odontoclast cells become activated, resulting in root erosion. It may be that it is a phenomenon destined to resolve itself with the healing of the tissues, or, on the contrary, that it leads to a chronic inflammatory process.
Treatments for External Tooth Resorption
External resorption is a condition that can compromise the integrity and longevity of the tooth. However, when diagnosed early, there are several treatment approaches that can help stop the resorption process and preserve tooth structure. Let's explore the main treatments available:
Endodontic Therapy (Root Canal Treatment):
Many cases of external resorption are associated with inflammatory processes inside the tooth. In these cases, root canal treatment may be indicated to remove the inflamed or infected pulp tissue and fill the space inside the tooth with filling material.
If tooth resorption occurs in the cervical area, it is possible to perform endodontic treatment and restore the affected area with suitable restorative materials.
Periradicular Surgery:
In cases where resorption is located in the apical region or when there are associated lesions, such as cysts or granulomas, periradicular surgery (apical surgery) may be necessary.
Prevention and Monitoring:
If tooth resorption was caused by orthodontic movement, it may be necessary to adjust orthodontic treatment to prevent progression.
In all cases, it is crucial to monitor the situation through periodic examinations, such as x-rays, to ensure that the resorption has stabilized and that there are no signs of recurrence.
Dental extraction:
In advanced cases, where the tooth has been significantly compromised and it is not viable to maintain its structure, extraction may be the most suitable option. Subsequently, replacement of the tooth with an implant may be considered.