How Do You Fix Exposed Tooth Roots
Exposed roots are not uncommon but they do need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the tooth and possibly other areas of the mouth. Left untreated, exposed roots will get progressively worse and could get to a point where the only treatment option left is extraction. If you notice any changes to the length of your tooth or any unusual sensitivity, it is important to bring it to the attention of your dentist as soon as possible.
How do I know if I have an exposed root?
The biggest culprit that causes exposed tooth roots is gum disease. Gum disease presents in its early stages as gingivitis, which is simply inflammation of the gum tissue. You may also experience bleeding when flossing and brushing and/or chronic bad breath, even after oral hygiene.
Gum disease develops when plaque is not regularly removed with brushing and flossing and is instead is allowed to calcify into tartar. Tartar and bacteria build-up in the pockets between the gum tissue and the surface of the tooth quickly leads to gum recession. When the gums begin to recede, the roots are left exposed and susceptible to decay.
Exposed roots are generally very sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. Patients with exposed roots often experience excessive bleeding, chronic bad breath, and even tooth shifting.
How do you fix exposed tooth roots?
Fortunately, there are a few options to fix exposed roots and get you out of pain! If your recession is caused by gum disease, your dentist may advise you to have a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing.
During a scaling and root planing, the area being worked on is numbed so that your dental hygienist can get far below the gum line to clear out tartar and bacteria build-up in the gum pockets. Most of the time, a deep cleaning takes place over two sessions, one side of the mouth being done at each visit. This is really in an effort to prevent the entire mouth from being numb all at once but if you and your hygienist are willing, you may be able to complete treatment in one visit.
If a scaling and root planing is insufficient treatment, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for gum therapy. A periodontist is a specialist in treating gums and will have different options from your dentist including a gum graft. Gum grafting is especially effective in treating exposed roots and can be completed in one visit.
In the event that neither of these treatment options work for you, you might need to have your tooth extracted. Extraction is considered a Last Resort treatment since the goal of dental care is for the patient to keep their natural teeth as long as possible. If you do have to have an extraction, your dentist will help you decide what restoration will best suit your individual needs.
As with most dental issues, it is important to see your dentist as soon as you notice any changes in your mouth. Exposed tooth roots and other dental maladies will not get better on their own and require some degree of intervention. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcome will be.