Do you have loose or missing teeth? Have these problem teeth resulted in root resorption? If you have been told that you are suffering from root resorption, dental implants can help. Dr. Ivey of Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery in Centennial, CO is experienced in identifying root resorption, as it can often be mistaken for a cavity. And you definitely don’t want that! If your root resorption is misdiagnosed, it can lead to further damage to your tooth, gum, and underlying bone. Keep reading to learn more about how dental implants can help prevent root resorption, and then call Dr. Ivey for a consultation.
What Is Root Resorption?
Root resorption is the progressive loss of tooth roots. Most people are familiar with this concept because this is exactly what happens when we lose our baby teeth – older tooth root cells dissolve, and the baby teeth get loose and fall out. But once permanent teeth take their place, root resorption typically stops. However, there are circumstances in which root resorption occurs in adulthood.
But Why Does Root Resorption Occur In Adulthood?
Though no one knows all the facts for why root resorption occurs in adulthood, there are factors that can lead to this condition later in life:
- Orthodontic Treatment – If you received orthodontic treatment in your teens, which applied too much pressure to the teeth, root resorption could
- Damage To The Tooth – If you experienced trauma or damage to a tooth or teeth as a child or young adult and the tissue that connect the tooth to the jawbone was damaged, root resorption can occur.
- Excessive Tooth Grinding – If you have been a “grinder” for most of your life, the pressure applied to the tooth or teeth can result in root resorption.
It’s important to note that not all patients who have experienced these risk factors will end up with root resorption. If you are unsure about whether or not you could have this condition, make an appointment with Dr. Ivey so he can fully examine your mouth and tell you whether or not your tooth roots are dissolving.
If I Have Root Resorption, Can Dental Implants Help?
Oral surgeons like Dr. Ivey recommend dental implants when dealing with severe root resorption in their patients. If you suspect you are suffering from this condition, it is important that you have Dr. Ivey examine your mouth as soon as possible, as early detection is key to saving your original tooth. However, If he finds that your root resorption has progressed to the point where your dental pulp is affected, it is likely dental implants will need to be placed.
In order for Dr. Ivey to insert dental implants, he will have to extract the affected tooth or teeth first. Sometimes, tooth extraction and dental implant placement can even be done in one day. The beauty of dental implants is their aesthetic appeal and permanency. Dental implants look and act like natural teeth, and because they are secured directly into the jawbone, they are considered a permanent tooth replacement option.
Dental implants prevent root resorption, as well as gum tissue and jawbone loss because the titanium posts act like tooth roots and stimulate the growth of the bone and tissue around them. This, in turn, also protects facial structure by preserving the jawbone. How exciting is that?
Call Dr. Ivey Today
If you’re worried you have root resorption, don’t delay. Call Dr. Ivey at (303) 493-1933 in his Centennial office today to schedule a consultation. Only through a thorough examination will he be able to determine whether or not you have root resorption and what he can do to treat it.
