What Is Teeth Resorption?
Posted on 12/1/2025 by Cooley Smiles Everett |
 Have you ever heard of teeth resorption? It's a natural process, but sometimes it can happen too quickly and cause problems. Let's explore what it is, why it happens, and what can be done about it.
What is Teeth Resorption?
Teeth resorption is like your body reabsorbing parts of your tooth. Think of it as your body's natural way of removing tissue. While it's a normal process during the development of baby teeth (making way for adult teeth), it's not ideal when it affects permanent teeth. It involves the breakdown and loss of tooth structure – either the outer enamel and dentin, or the inner root.
There are two main types of resorption: internal and external.
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Internal Resorption: This happens from the inside of the tooth, within the pulp chamber or root canal. It's less common. |
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External Resorption: This is more common and occurs on the outer surface of the tooth root. It can be harder to detect initially. |
Why Does Teeth Resorption Happen?
The causes of teeth resorption aren't always clear, but there are some known factors that can contribute to it:
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Trauma: A blow to the mouth or previous dental injury can sometimes trigger resorption. |
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Orthodontic Treatment: Occasionally, tooth movement during braces can cause some minor, temporary resorption. However, severe resorption from orthodontics is rare. |
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Infection: Inflammation or infection within the tooth or surrounding tissues can lead to resorption. |
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Pressure: Impacted teeth (teeth that are blocked from erupting) or tumors can put pressure on adjacent teeth, causing resorption. |
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Idiopathic: Sometimes, there is no clear identifiable cause, and it is labeled as idiopathic. |
How Is Teeth Resorption Detected?
Often, teeth resorption is discovered during routine dental X-rays. In some cases, if the resorption is extensive, you might experience symptoms like:
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Pink spot: In internal resorption, you might see a pinkish discoloration on the tooth if the resorption is close to the enamel. |
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Pain: Depending on the location and extent of the resorption, you might experience tooth sensitivity or pain. |
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Loosening: If the root is significantly affected, the tooth might become loose. |
What Can Be Done About Teeth Resorption?
The approach to managing teeth resorption depends on the type, location, and severity.
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Monitoring: In some mild cases, the dentist might just monitor the resorption with regular X-rays to see if it progresses. |
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Root Canal Therapy: If the resorption is internal and affecting the pulp, a root canal can often stop the process. |
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Extraction: If the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved, extraction might be the best option. |
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Surgical Intervention: In certain external resorption cases, a surgical procedure might be recommended to access and remove the affected tissue. |
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups
Early detection is key! Regular dental check-ups and X-rays are essential for identifying teeth resorption in its early stages, when treatment is often more effective. Don't hesitate to talk to your dentist about any concerns you have about your teeth.
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