Root Resorption

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What Is Root Resorption?

Root resorption occurs when the body begins to break down and absorb part of the tissue or structure surrounding a tooth. While this condition is uncommon in adults with permanent teeth, resorption is a normal part of childhood tooth development. In children, the roots of baby teeth naturally dissolve as permanent teeth develop and prepare to take their place.

Why Does Root Resorption Occur in Adults?

The exact cause of root resorption in permanent teeth is not always known. However, several factors may contribute to its development.

Excessive pressure or tension on a tooth can potentially trigger tissue breakdown. For example, a history of significant orthodontic forces may contribute to root resorption years after treatment. Dental trauma can also damage the supporting tissues around a tooth and potentially initiate the resorption process.

Other possible contributing factors include severe teeth grinding and certain tooth-bleaching procedures. However, having one or more of these potential risk factors does not necessarily mean that a patient will develop root resorption. Most people with these risk factors never experience noticeable signs of the condition.

What Does Root Resorption Look Like?

Root resorption can develop in different areas of a tooth. One common type is external cervical resorption (ECR), which typically begins on the outside surface of the tooth near the gum line and gradually progresses inward.

In some cases, a pinkish area may become visible on the tooth near the gum line. As the condition progresses, it can create areas that resemble cavities or holes around the affected portion of the tooth.

A less common form is internal root resorption, which begins from inside the tooth and may be associated with long-term inflammation of the dental pulp.

Because root resorption often causes little or no discomfort, many patients do not realize they have it until it is discovered during a dental examination or imaging.

How Is Root Resorption Treated?

Treatment depends on the type of resorption, how early it is detected, and how much of the tooth has been affected.

When resorption is identified at an early stage and the tooth structure remains intact, treatment may be limited to addressing and monitoring the affected area.

If significant damage has developed and the tooth has become compromised, root canal treatment may be recommended to remove affected pulp tissue and help preserve the natural tooth.

In advanced cases where the tooth can no longer be predictably restored, extraction followed by a suitable tooth-replacement option, such as a dental implant, may be considered.

Because root resorption can progress without noticeable symptoms, regular dental examinations and appropriate imaging are important for early detection. When possible, the goal of endodontic treatment is to preserve your natural tooth and protect your long-term oral health.

Is Root Resorption Painful?

Root resorption is often asymptomatic, meaning many people do not experience pain or other obvious symptoms. If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or another noticeable change, there may be another underlying dental problem that requires evaluation. If you notice an unusual change around your tooth or have concerns about possible root resorption, schedule an examination so the area can be properly assessed.

Signs you may need treatment

Pink Spot or Discoloration
Near the Gum Line

Cavity-Like
Damage on the Tooth

Tooth Sensitivity
or Discomfort

Unusual Changes Detected
on Dental X-Rays

What to expect

1

Diagnose

We examine the affected tooth and use dental imaging when needed to identify root resorption, determine its location and extent, and evaluate the condition of the surrounding structures.

2

Treat

Based on the severity and type of resorption, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include monitoring, restoring the damaged area, or performing root canal therapy to help preserve the natural tooth.

3

Preserve

We monitor the treated tooth and its healing over time, with the goal of maintaining your natural tooth and protecting your long-term oral health whenever possible.

Common questions

What is root resorption?
Root resorption is a process in which the body breaks down and absorbs part of the structure surrounding or within a tooth. It can occur naturally in baby teeth but is considered abnormal when it affects permanent adult teeth.
The exact cause is not always clear. Possible contributing factors include dental trauma, excessive orthodontic forces, severe teeth grinding, and certain dental procedures. However, many cases occur without an identifiable cause.
Usually, root resorption does not cause noticeable symptoms. It is often discovered during a routine dental examination or through dental imaging.

In many cases, treatment may help preserve the natural tooth, especially when the condition is detected early. Depending on the extent and location of the damage, treatment may include monitoring, restoration, or root canal therapy.

A dentist or endodontist typically evaluates the tooth clinically and uses dental X-rays or other imaging when necessary. Imaging helps identify the location and extent of the resorption and determine the most appropriate treatment.