Teeth roots can become exposed due to a variety of causes. The primary reason tooth roots become visible is that the gum recedes away from the tooth. Bacteria can infect the gums and expose even more of the tooth root.
Recognizing an Exposed Tooth Root
Symptoms of an exposed tooth root include a visible tooth root, an increase in temperature sensitivity, or swelling of the gum tissue. Other signs might be an increased accumulation of plaque or the development of constant bad breath.
If you notice one of these symptoms, see your dentist soon. The best way to both identify and treat an exposed tooth root is to check your teeth and gums consistently.
Common Symptoms of An Exposed Tooth Root
The signs and symptoms of an exposed tooth root will vary. Common symptoms include swelling, an increase in sensitivity to hot or cold, pain, a foul odor from your mouth, or a buildup of plaque on the tooth.
Pain might be the most obvious symptom. Quite often, exposed tooth roots can be painful, but not always. Some exposed tooth roots might not develop any pain at all.
The level of pain can vary depending on the extent and severity of the exposure. It might cause a slight ache in the tooth. Sometimes the pain can be so severe that it affects certain activities.
Exposed Tooth Root Common Causes
There are a variety of causes of tooth roots being exposed.
- Gum Injuries – The gum tissue can be damaged easily if a tooth has been injured. If the gum tissue has become damaged, it will not secure the tooth properly in place, resulting in an exposed tooth root.
- Gum Disease- When the gum tissue is swollen and inflamed, it recedes from the tooth.
- Infections- Gum infections will also cause gum tissue to recede. When the gum tissue recedes, the tooth root will become exposed.
- Breakage- A tooth root can also become exposed if there is a break in the tooth.
- Misalignment- Improperly aligned teeth can cause gum tissue to recede, resulting in the exposure of tooth roots.
- Other Issues- A cyst or cyst-like growth will sometimes cause the gum to recede from the tooth, exposing the tooth root.
Treatments for Correcting Your Exposed Tooth Root
There are several different options for treating an exposed tooth root. Some solutions might be temporary, while others are permanent. Your dentist will examine, evaluate, and recommend which approach is best for you. Some more common solutions for treating an exposed tooth root include:
- Gum Grafting- Taking soft tissue from the roof of your mouth and suturing it over the exposed root.
- Bonding- Covering the root with resin for protection.
- Root Canal Therapy- A root canal is often used to treat infections. It will treat exposed tooth roots by removing the infected pulp of the tooth.
- Extraction- It may be the best solution to remove the tooth completely. This can be done with a quick and simple extraction if the tooth is decayed and cannot be saved.
- Implant- A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone. After fusion to the bone, it will function as an artificial root, designed to secure, support, and stabilize a false tooth.
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