Is Root Resorption a Serious Condition?
By Mark Falke | Published on September 13, 2010 | 0 Comments
As a child, when your primary teeth were about to fall out to make way for your secondary, permanent set, a natural process occurred called root resorption. As the secondary teeth pushed through your gums, it actually caused the roots from your baby teeth to come loose, thus causing the teeth to fall out. While this process is completely normal and necessary during childhood, root resorption into adolescence and adulthood could become harmful to your teeth. Here, Mark Falke D.D.S., a dentist in Austin with Taylor Dental Associates Inc., explains the serious side of root resorption.
Root resorption is often times the result of prolonged treatments using braces where the devices are actually trying to push the teeth into places in your mouth where they don’t want to go. Sometimes, Dr. Falke explains, when it appears that a patient has buck teeth, braces may be used to push the front teeth back into place. However, it must be taken into account that perhaps the front teeth are not the issue, he continues, but rather, that the lower jaw is short, giving the appearance that the front teeth are protruding even though they are not. If this possibility is never explored then the front teeth could over-retract and cause root resorption.
Typically, Dr. Falke says, root resorption is most noticeable on dental x-rays, though sometimes it could result in a loose tooth, which you should definitely speak to your dentist about. While root resorption is typically a self-mediating problem that doesn’t require treatment from your dentist or orthodontist, there are fixes available. If not addressed, there is a possibility that the tooth can be lost; however, your dentist should be able to stabilize the affected tooth through splinting methods. Still, says Dr. Falke, you should continue to follow up with your dentist and receive x-rays to make sure that the problem does not persist or worsen.
In an effort to reduce the likelihood that root resorption will occur, and to cut back on the other negative effects of the prolonged use of braces, including a flat upper lip and the retraction of the front teeth, Dr. Falke and his team of experts at Taylor Dental Associates Inc. offer a specialized treatment plan. EZ Braces, he explains, is not a type of braces, but rather the combination of seven orthodontic treatments that can reduce the amount of time in which you will need to wear braces—by up to a year.
Before having braces put on your own teeth or your child’s, it’s important to speak with your orthodontist about your concerns and make sure that the treatment plan that has been devised for you is truly the most beneficial. While having a straight smile is important, you should never sacrifice the rest of your oral health to achieve it.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.