What does “Tooth resorption” mean?
Tooth resorption is the loss of hard tooth tissue through cellular activity. Physiological resorption during the replacement of primary teeth is distinguished from problematic resorption in permanent teeth.
How do internal and external resorption differ?
Internal resorption progresses from the pulp space, while external resorption progresses from outside the tooth. The cause, relationship to the pulp, and treatment differ with location and type.
What is examined?
Trauma and orthodontic history, pulp responses, and the location and extent of the lesion are assessed. Imaging as needed evaluates its relationship to the root canal and surrounding bone.
What is the treatment approach?
Related causes, such as infection or pressure, are addressed, and progression and the possibility of preserving the tooth are assessed. Some types require root canal treatment, but not all resorption is treated in the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bacteria dissolve the tooth as in decay?
Tooth resorption and caries involve different processes of tissue loss. Even when inflammation or infection contributes to resorption, they are not considered the same disease.
Will a shortened root grow back to its original length?
Resorbed permanent tooth tissue does not return to its original shape. The causes of progression are addressed, and the possibility of maintaining the remaining tooth is assessed.
Questions about tooth resorption
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Where did the resorption start?
Explanation and evidenceInternal and external resorption and cervical and apical locations are distinguished.
American Association of Endodontists · Differentiating Resorption - A choice suited to your condition
What determines whether to monitor or treat it?
Explanation and evidenceType, progression, infection, and remaining tooth tissue are assessed together.
American Association of Endodontists · Differentiating Resorption
