How Do You Fix Exposed Tooth Roots
An exposed tooth root can be a very painful condition and is actually quite common. When a root becomes exposed, it is important to have your dentist assess the area as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the area. Left untreated, an exposed root will only get worse and could even lead to bone and tooth loss.
What causes exposed tooth roots?
Gum disease is the number one cause of gum recession and exposed tooth roots. Gum disease typically develops as a result of poor oral hygiene though some patients are genetically predisposed to periodontal issues. Good oral care and regular visits to your dentist greatly aid in the prevention of gum disease. That includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day, and professional cleanings at least twice a year.
Gum disease develops when plaque is not regularly brushed and flossed away and is instead allowed to accumulate and calcify into tartar. Tartar and bacteria build-up in the pockets between the gum tissue and the surface of the tooth and can quickly lead to gum recession and exposed roots.
Exposed roots are often extremely sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. Patients with exposed roots may experience excessive bleeding when they brush and floss, chronic bad breath, and may even notice some tooth mobility. Any changes in your mouth or unusual sensitivity needs to be addressed by your dentist.
Fixing Exposed Tooth Roots
The main thing taken into consideration when your dentist is deciding how to fix exposed roots is the severity of exposure and potential damage. Often, the first step in treating gum recession is with a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, which will remove all infection and tartar buildup below the gum line, allowing the gum tissue to heal closer to the surface of the root.
If a scaling and root planing is insufficient or unsuccessful, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for a treatment. A periodontist is a dental professional who specializes in the gums and underlying connective tissues. A gum graft is a restorative treatment where tissue is taken from another area of the patient’s mouth or sourced from a tissue bank and is placed over the affected area. The graft integrates with the existing healthy tissue and encourages new growth.
There are times in which the tooth cannot be saved and has to be extracted, which is considered a last resort treatment. If you do have to have an extraction, your dentist will help you decide what restoration will best suit your individual needs such as a dental bridge or dental implant.
Instances in which an exposed root is damaged or has suffered bone loss in the area, the tooth may be deemed hopeless and the only treatment option is extraction. Tooth extraction is always considered a last resort so if you do have to have a tooth extracted, it is because there are no other options. In the event that you do have your tooth extracted, you may be a candidate for a dental implant to restore the area and replace your missing tooth.
Exposed tooth roots as well as any other dental issue will not resolve on its own. To have the best chance of restoring exposed tooth roots and preventing further damage, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.