Root resorption can be caused by trauma, poor oral hygiene, orthodontic forces and even excessive bite forces such as clenching and grinding.
Trauma is the most common cause of resorption and the more severe traumas (such as the tooth coming out of its socket or being pushed into the its socket) are more likely to cause more severe tooth resorption.
In terms of appearance, the tooth may discolour and may develop a pink spot on its surface. The tooth may also become sensitive and even painful. With extensive resorption, the tooth may fracture and be lost.
The earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated, the tooth will have a much better prognosis and outcome. Delay in treatment of even a few weeks/months allows resorption to progress and ultimately may lead to tooth loss.
The management of tooth resorption, depends on its location and its severity. To diagnose its exact location and extent of damage caused, a three dimensional cone beam CT scan is far more useful than even multiple standard two dimensional dental x-rays.
A cone beam CT scan can accurately assess the position of the resorption defect(s) on the root surface and help us greatly with our management of the tooth.
Root resorption can either be internal in its location on the root surface or external and this is how its classified
Internal root resorption is located within the root canal space of the tooth. In such cases root canal treatment by an Endodontist is used to treat and halt the progress of internal root resorption. Patients should see an Endodontist as root canal treatment in resorption cases can be very complex and usually requires microscope magnification and other advanced equipment to be used.
External root resorption is located on the outside of the root surface and will usually need surgical repair by an Endodontist if the tooth is treatable. Sometimes in such cases, the tooth may also need root canal treatment too if its pulp has also been damaged.
In advanced tooth resorption cases, the tooth maybe very compromised and extensively damaged. In such cases, the prognosis for the tooth is poor and there maybe no option left but to remove the tooth and look at options of tooth replacement with an implant or a dental bridge.
It is therefore very important to have root resorption diagnosed and treated as early as possible and not allow it to progress and compromise the tooth structure by waiting weeks or months. Cone Beam CT Scans help us to diagnose the condition early on and patients should see an Endodontist to have prompt treatment.