Oct
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 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:
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.