Can a Reabsorbed Tooth Be Saved?
Dental professionals work diligently to ensure they are using the latest technology available to diagnose and treat patients. One specific example of recent technology includes 3D X-Rays. This type of X-Ray is able to portray a 3-dimensional appearance of the tooth. The image provides dental professionals with valuable insights and gives them enlarged visibility of the nerve space within a tooth. 3D x-rays are especially helpful in detecting internal resorption. The cells found in the internal tissue can cause the inflammatory process which slowly destroys the inside of the tooth.
Fortunately, because of advancements and early detection, resorption can be identified before the tooth is completely destroyed. Early detection is critical in preserving the tooth and preventing long-term damage. In some cases, the patient will need to have a root canal in order to restore the tooth.
Internal root resorption is a term used to describe the loss of part or parts of tooth structure within the tooth. This is typically caused by issues such as infection or oral trauma. When the issue remains untreated, the resorption can continue to break down dentin and cementum within the tooth. Over time, the tooth will begin to break and result in serious damage. In severe cases, the tooth will fall out or require removal.
A root canal is an effective procedure in the treatment of resorption. During a root canal, the endodontist or dentist will remove any nerve tissue inside the tooth which is damaged.
A filling material will then be used to seal off the tooth. Root canals have a fairly high success rate. Unfortunately, patients can be at an increased risk for future problems. Additional technology such as a CT scan can be used to plan for restoration of a damaged tooth. Many times, a dental implant or crown is used to restore a weak or damaged tooth. A dental implant includes three different components, the implant or screw, abutment, and crown.
Internal Root Resorption Treatment
Bone and tooth resorption is caused by osteoclasts. They are naturally occurring bone cells which break down bone tissue over time. Osteoclasts that are maintained by surrounding tissue and blood vessels will continue to break down the structure of the tooth. To prevent additional damage to the bone, dental professionals often perform a root canal. During this treatment, the pulp of the tooth is removed to stop the osteoclasts from causing additional damage. When the internal resorption is detected in the early stages, the tooth can often be preserved.
Another technology which can be used for bone resorption is Cone Beam Computed Tomography or CBCT. This is another type of CT scan. It gives the endodontist the ability to produce a 3D x-ray of the tooth. The Cone Beam scanner emits much lower radiation than other types of CT scanners which are commonly used. The endodontist can manipulate the scan to view every angle of the tooth. This allows them to have a good understanding of the extent of the resorption and provides them with greater detail of the tooth’s interior structure. Using the CBCT scan, the endodontist can clearly see the severity of the resorption. This helps them to determine if the tooth can be preserved with a root canal.
Dental professionals are highly motivated to preserve the natural tooth. They will work diligently to avoid extracting a tooth, if possible. A root canal can be completed by creating a conservative access point through the crown of the bridge. This helps avoid damage to the healthy tooth structure and aids in preservation. CBCT technology gives dental professionals valuable insight and visibility in properly treating bone resorption and restoring the patient’s tooth.