No case is too challenging or complex for our specialists: Root resorption, defined

Individuals travel from across California, the U.S., and even from around the world for the expertise of our specialist at Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry, Dr. Fanny Yacaman. Dr. Yacaman is a highly respected and talented endodontist. As such, she is among a select 3% of dentists to demonstrate significant advanced proficiency in the field of endodontics. This branch of dentistry specializes in diagnosing and treating severe trauma inside the tooth. In fact, endodontists are often tasked with “saving” the most damaged teeth. Dr. Yacaman’s expertise transcends root canal therapy; she knows what to do for treatment to preserve teeth that have sustained root resorption. No “case” is too complex for Dr. Yacaman to handle.  

The many types and causes of root resorption

We cannot treat what we do not know. As such, we must understand the nature and extent of the condition that threatens your teeth. Root resorption refers to a destructive process whereby the roots of the teeth are broken down. This condition comes in different flavors, each associated with varied types of damage, causes, and potential options to conserve or treat the affected tooth. Generally, such resorption may be characterized as: 

• Cervical, affecting the portion of the tooth that meets the gum line. Teeth that have sustained traumatic injuries, orthodontic treatments, and intrinsic whitening procedures may be vulnerable to this form of resorption.
• Internal, affecting the innermost pulp tissues. As the nerves and blood vessels are damaged by deep infections and trauma, this space inside the tooth may be dissolved or resorbed. Think of this process as the deterioration of the root from the inside outward. 
• External or apical, affecting the apex or apices (the tip(s) of the tooth root(s). Among pediatric patients, this process naturally occurs as the roots of the primary or baby teeth are dissolved to make way for the secondary or permanent teeth. Treatment is necessary to prevent tooth loss when this process affects mature teeth. 

Sometimes, root resorption is associated with certain systemic illnesses and behaviors, ranging from thyroid disease to chronic bruxism (teeth grinding). Rarely, this process can arise due to a tumor placing pressure on the affected site. 

Other providers may not be equipped to preserve teeth threatened by root resorption in its varied forms. They may recommend extraction. Our Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry team has the onsite expertise and technologies to accurately diagnose and effectively conserve your teeth and other supportive tissues. 

Depending on your needs, root canal therapy may be an appropriate way to preserve your traumatized tooth. For more challenging cases of external root resorption, other surgical endodontic procedures may be in order. Patients whose teeth cannot be saved through other means can also benefit from the knowledge and skill of our other specialist, Dr. Frank Vidjak. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Vidjak specializes in replacing deteriorated or lost dental, periodontal, and maxillofacial tissues. Are you seeking a second opinion? Are you worried about an aching tooth? Call us! Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry may be reached at (310) 861-3955.

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