Root resorption treatment options to help preserve your teeth

Root resorption occurs when the body starts breaking down and absorbing the tissue surrounding a tooth. While this process naturally occurs in children to enable the baby teeth to fall out, when it happens in permanent teeth, it can ultimately result in the loss of the tooth. However, extraction is not your only option! At Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, Dr. Fanny Yacaman and Dr. Frank Vidjak are leading specialists in the treatment of root resorption to help you preserve your natural teeth. 

During her PhD studies at the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Dr. Yacaman started the first group at USC to establish an experimental study model to research root resorption at the molecular level. She has performed thousands of treatments for her patients, successfully saving their teeth. These and other professional qualifications are why patients come from all over the world to see Dr. Yacaman. Referring dentists tell their patients to see Dr. Yacaman because if anyone can save their teeth, it is her!

Why does root resorption occur?

While it is not always entirely clear why root resorption has begun to occur, there are several factors that contribute to its development:

• Prior root canal therapy on the tooth
• Trauma to the tooth that has resulted in damage to the ligaments
• Extensive orthodontic treatment that has placed enough force on the teeth over time to begin breaking down the tissue
• Tooth grinding and clenching, which place unnecessary stress on the teeth that they are not designed to withstand
• Inflammation in the teeth and gums
• An underlying tumor
• Autoimmune diseases

Treatment options beyond tooth extraction

Some dentists may recommend that a tooth be extracted when root resorption has begun to occur. However, our dental practice is committed to practicing minimally invasive, conservative dentistry that is focused on retaining as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. Why? Because not only do natural teeth function and look better, but they also serve many important roles in maintaining your oral health. Natural teeth help keep the underlying jawbone healthy and prevent it from deteriorating over time. If degradation of the bone occurs, it can result in problems with your teeth’s function and symmetry, in addition to causing a “sunken in” appearance in the face. Additionally, each tooth serves a key role in the chewing process and the loss of just one tooth can result in shifting of your other teeth, which can cause misalignment problems that result in a variety of negative symptoms ranging from tooth and jaw pain to chronic headaches and TMJ disorder.

After an in-depth evaluation of your teeth and overall oral health, Dr. Yacaman or Dr. Vidjak will talk with you about the root resorption treatment options that are appropriate for your specific situation. Dr. Vidjak also specializes in anti-aging dentistry, offering options such as full-mouth restorations and other options that will help restore your smile while taking years off of your appearance. 

After discussing the pros and cons of your options and deciding on a treatment plan, we will work with you to schedule your treatment along with follow-up care to ensure that it was successful. To schedule your appointment, call our Beverly Hills, CA office today at (310) 861-3955.

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