06
Oct
Proactive and Specialty Care for Root Resorption To Preserve Teeth Threatened by this Damaging Process
In dentistry, the “root” refers to the lower two-thirds of a tooth. Each root functions as an anchor. The roots located in the jaw hold the teeth connected to them in place.
“Resorption” refers to a process whereby substances or components are broken down and “resorbed” or re-absorbed. So, “root resorption” refers to the breakdown of the tooth’s root structure.
By enlisting the expertise of our internationally-renowned endodontist at Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry, Dr. Fanny Yacaman, patients can halt this process. Patients from near (in and around Beverly Hills, California) and far (around the globe) turn to Dr. Yacaman to preserve their natural teeth.
The “Basics”
The root resorption process occurs naturally in childhood; the tissue that connects pediatric patients’ baby teeth or “primary” teeth to the gums is resorbed by the body. In doing so, the baby teeth can fall out and make room for adult or permanent dentition.
There are numerous causes of root resorption in permanent teeth. It is critical to determine the root cause. In doing so, the condition can be effectively and promptly treated before the process irrevocably damages the structure and health of the teeth.
We’ve highlighted just a few of the potential causes:
- Extensive orthodontic treatment
- Bruxism (chronic grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaws)
- Deep infections
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Traumatic injuries
- Impacted teeth that fail to erupt properly
- Systemic and autoimmune diseases, ranging from arthritis to hyperparathyroidism
Call Our Office for More Information
Contact Dr. Yacaman: (310) 861-3955 | Contact Dr. Vidjak: (310) 878-6455 Request an Appointment
Recommended treatment follows a thorough evaluation by Dr. Yacaman. Recommendations are then based on those findings. So, as you can imagine, treatment plans vary considerably from patient to patient. Since we are a specialty practice, Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry patients benefit from our high level of advanced expertise and onsite technologies. For instance, Dr. Yacaman may apply a specialized root repair material called Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) to increase the odds of successfully treating a tooth that has sustained resorption with Root Canal Therapy (RCT).
Depending on each patient’s diagnosis and the severity of the damage to the tooth, Dr. Yacaman may recommend addressing common symptoms such as pain and swollen gums. The source or trigger of resorption should also be addressed with the likes of customized oral care products and services. More extensive cases, such as damage to the ligaments that connect the root to the supportive bone in the jaw, may not be resolved with root canal therapy.
We at Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry urge you to contact us before potential symptoms of resorption arise. The earlier that we can detect problems, the higher the likelihood that we will be able to preserve your natural teeth! Dr. Yacaman is also joined in this mission by our onsite prosthodontist, Dr. Frank Vidjak, and our comprehensive in-house dental lab. Call (310) 861-3955 to schedule your appointment today.
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The skilled doctors at our practice are Frank M. A. Vidjak, DDS, MSEd and Fanny Yacaman, DDS, MSEd, MS.
Dr. Vidjak has been a prosthodontist for over two decades, with his private practice in Beverly Hills from 1989. A USC School of Dentistry graduate, he completed his specialty training in prosthodontics and an MS in Medical Education at USC where he also taught the School of Dentistry. He was its Clinical Director of the Advanced Prosthodontic Program and International Student Program too.
Dr. Yacaman received her DDS from the University Technologica of Mexico and served the clinical faculty in Endodontics at Unitec. She practiced Endodontics in Mexico City for over 10 years. She has an advanced specialty certificate in Advanced Microscopic Endodontics and Microsurgery and a Master of Science in Medical Education from the USC and has been a Clinical Faculty member at the UCLA School of Dentistry Department of Endodontics for more than 15 years. She specializes in Root Resorption treatment, having researched on External Root Resorption for over 15 years for a Master’s in Craniofacial Molecular Biology at USC’s Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology. She is one of four Endodontists in United States that can treat Root Resorption. She is a local and international lecturer in Endodontics and Microsurgery and has received many awards and has published articles in the area.
