Teeth roots will become exposed due to an assortment of causes. The primary cause of tooth roots becoming visible is gum recession away from the tooth. Bacteria will infect the gums and expose even more of the tooth root.
Recognizing an Exposed Tooth Root
Symptoms of an exposed tooth root include the visible tooth root, an increase in sensitivity with the tooth, or inflammation of the gum tissue. Other signs are an increased accumulation of plaque or the development of persistent bad breath.
If you notice one of these symptoms, visit your dentist soon. The best and easiest way to identify and treat an exposed tooth root is to check your teeth and gums consistently.
Common Symptoms of An Exposed Tooth Root
The signs and symptoms of an exposed tooth root vary. The most common symptoms include swelling, an increase in sensitivity to hot or cold, discomfort or pain, a foul odor from your mouth, or the buildup of plaque on the tooth.
Pain could be the most obvious symptom. Exposed tooth roots can be painful, but not always. Some exposed tooth roots may not develop any pain at all.
The level of pain will vary depending on the extent and severity of the exposure. It can cause a slight ache in the tooth, or sometimes the pain can be so severe that it will affect some activities.
Exposed Tooth Root Common Causes
There are a variety of causes of exposed tooth roots.
- Gum Injuries – The gum tissue can easily be damaged if a tooth has been injured. If the gum tissue becomes damaged, it cannot secure the tooth properly in place, resulting in an exposed tooth root.
- Gum Disease- When the gum tissue is swollen and inflamed, it sags away from the tooth.
- Infections- Gum infections will cause gum tissue to recede. When the gum tissue recedes, the tooth root is exposed.
- Breakage- A tooth root might also become exposed if there is a break in the tooth.
- Misalignment- Improperly aligned teeth can sometimes cause gum tissue to recede, also resulting in the exposure of tooth roots.
- Other Issues- A cyst or cyst-like growth can cause the gum to recede from the tooth, exposing the tooth root.
Treatments for Correcting Your Exposed Tooth Root
There are several options for treating an exposed tooth root. Some solutions may be temporary, while others are permanent. Your dentist will examine, evaluate, and then recommend which approach will be best for you. Some common solutions for treating exposed tooth roots include:
- Gum Grafting- Taking soft tissue from the roof of your mouth, or a donor source, and suturing it over the exposed root.
- Bonding- Simply covering the root with resin for protection.
- Root Canal Therapy- A root canal is used to address a tooth infection. It treats exposed tooth roots by removing the infected pulp of the tooth.
- Extraction- It could be the best solution to remove the tooth completely. This is done with a quick and simple extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.
- Dental Implant- A dental implant is a tiny titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone. Once fused to the bone, it functions as an artificial root, designed to secure, support, and stabilize a restoration.
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