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Resorption is a pathologic process where your tooth begins to dissolve away. There are many different types of resorption. In most cases, the more quickly the resorption is addressed, the higher the likelihood of a successful outcome for your tooth. If you have been told one of your teeth is undergoing resorption, please contact us for an evaluation.
There are many types of resorption that can affect a tooth and each is managed in a different way. Some types of resorption result from a traumatic injury or from persistent irritation. Other types of resorption may be related to an infection of the root canal.
If, during your evaluation appointment, our diagnosis indicates resorption, we’ll explain the process and give you realistic treatment options to treat or manage the condition. In most cases, a 3D CBCT scan will be captured to aid with determining the extent of the resorption as well as for helping to determine the long-term prognosis of your tooth. Whatever the case is, you can rest assured that our compassionate staff will guide you every step of the way.
With the appropriate care, your teeth that have had endodontic treatment can last as long as other natural teeth. Yet, a tooth that has received treatment may fail to heal or pain may continue to exist. Sometimes, the pain may occur months or years after treatment. If so, Endodontic Retreatment may be needed.
Improper healing may be caused by:
- Curved or narrow canals were not treated during the initial treatment.
- Complicated canals went undetected during the initial treatment.
- The crown or restoration was not placed within the appropriate amount of time following the procedure.
- The crown or restoration did not prevent saliva from contaminating the inside of the tooth.
In some cases, new problems can influence a tooth that was successfully treated:
- New decay can expose a root canal filling material, causing infection.
- A cracked or loose filling or crown can expose the tooth to new infection.
- Once retreatment has been selected as a solution to your problem, the doctors will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material. This restorative material will be removed to enable access to the root canal. The doctors will then clean your canals and carefully examine the inside of the problematic tooth. Once cleaned, the doctors will fill and seal the canals and place a temporary filling in the tooth.
At this point, you will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible in order to have a new crown or restoration placed on the tooth to restore full functionality.
We know that dental emergencies can cause you an intense amount of anxiety and pain. We completely empathize with you. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, we urge you to call our office as soon as possible. Our compassionate staff will listen to you carefully to guide you through a plan to relieve you of your pain as soon as possible. When you come to our office to treat your dental emergency, we’ll provide you with the highest level of care using state-of-the-art equipment that ensures that you’re taken care of quickly. Providing you with individualized attention and care, our staff will put you at ease and take away your pain.
Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
During apicoectomy procedure, incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended.
When you come into our relaxing, calming dental office, our well-trained and educated staff compassionately guide you through our comprehensive examination. Because we focus on treating you in a holistic manner, we’ll diagnose the root cause of your pain and develop a plan that considers your wellness in a holistic way. And because we’re sensitive to your needs, we’ll put you at ease during the entire diagnosis and consultation so that you feel at peace.
We completely understand that discovering a crack in your teeth can be alarming. Whether you’re experiencing pain or not, we welcome you to call our office to discuss your cracked teeth. When you connect with us, one of our experienced and compassionate staff members will guide you through a stress-free diagnosis and provide you with a plan of action to care for your dental health during the time before you’re able to visit our office.
Why your tooth is cracked?
You may find it comforting to learn a little more about why your teeth might be cracked. While we suggest that you simply call us so we can give you a professional opinion, we’d like to share some information with you for your peace of mind.
Cracked teeth have many symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivities, or even pain upon release of biting pressure. It’s also common for pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort.
Types of Cracks
These are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These cracks are more common in adults. These types of cracks are superficial and are usually of no concern.
Fractured Cusp:
When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. The cusp may break off or be removed by a dentist. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal is not necessary. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.
Cracked Tooth:
This type of crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. In some cases, the crack may extend below the gum line. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root. Damage to the pulp is commonplace. In this case, root canal treatment is usually necessary. A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, resulting in the loss of the tooth. Therefore, early detection is essential.
Split Tooth:
A split tooth is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth. It can be identified by a crack with distinct segments. This type of tooth can never be saved intact. Yet, the position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved. Sometimes, endodontic retreatment by the doctors and restoration by your dentist can be used to save a portion of the tooth.
Vertical Root Fracture:
A vertical root fracture begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, they show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root. Otherwise the tooth will have to be extracted.
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed. At the center of your tooth is the dental pulp. The dental pulp is a collection of blood vessels that help to build the surrounding tooth.
Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures.
Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.
How is a root canal performed?
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
After the root canal procedure, we recommend no chewing on the tooth until a permanent restoration is placed. Please make an appointment to your dentist within 30 days to have the restoration placed.