Are Exposed Tooth Roots Common?
If you have an exposed tooth root, you may be wondering how common they are, what causes them, and what treatment options may be available. Below is information to help answer these questions and more.
Are Exposed Tooth Roots Common?
Exposed tooth roots are not common, and they should be addressed as soon as you notice them. While generally not constituting a dental emergency, they can get worse over time and can lead to severe consequences—including tooth loss.
What Leads to Exposed Tooth Roots?
There are a few common reasons for an exposed tooth root. These include:
* Gum disease
* Bruxism
* Tooth misalignment
* Gum injury
* Infection
Symptoms to Look Out For
There are a variety of symptoms of an exposed tooth root that you may experience. These include:
* Visible root
* Pain
* Swelling
* Gum bleeding
* Sensitivity
* Other infection symptoms
It’s important to keep in mind that, while a visible root is the most obvious symptom, it may not be as apparent as you would think. Your exposed root may be further back in your mouth, or the exposure may still be subtle enough that it isn’t easy to catch. It’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist if you notice any of those symptoms. Don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment, as the issue can worsen over time.
Can Exposed Tooth Roots Be Fixed?
The appearance of an exposed root can often be fixed but, before it can be fixed, the underlying cause needs to be addressed. A few options for addressing underlying oral health problems that lead to exposed tooth roots include:
* Root canal: A root canal (root canal therapy) is a procedure in which a dentist removes the infected pulp of a tooth.
* Deep Cleaning: A deep cleaning (also known as “scaling and root planing”) is a procedure in which a dentist cleans below the gumline and removes plaque and tartar. This is more advanced than a general cleaning procedure.
* Extraction: Extraction is a more severe treatment option and isn’t common. Generally, your dentist will only remove the tooth if it is no longer viable.
Gum grafting: To treat the exposure of the tooth root, your dentist may recommend a gum grafting procedure. With this procedure, healthy tissue is grafted onto the area where the root is exposed, replacing the missing tissue.
How Do I Prevent an Exposed Tooth Root?
In order to prevent an exposed tooth root, there are some basic things that you can do starting as soon as today. First, make sure you are properly brushing twice a day, along with flossing and rinsing. The next thing you should do is schedule an appointment for a cleaning and checkup if you don’t already have one in the books. Finally, make sure you are taking good care of your overall health. Work towards stopping the use of tobacco products (if you use any), eating healthily, and lowering your levels of stress.
Reach Out Today
If you have an exposed tooth root or you are suffering from the other symptoms mentioned above, reach out today to set an appointment for a top dentist to examine your teeth and gums. From there, they will determine the underlying issue so it can be addressed. Once the problem is addressed, they will discuss gum grafting options to replace the missing gum tissue with you.