Tooth resorption is a condition in which the body begins to break down and absorb the structure of a tooth. This can affect either the internal (inside the root canal) or external (outer surface) parts of the tooth. Often silent in its early stages, tooth resorption can progress quickly, leading to structural loss, infection, and even tooth loss if not treated in time.

At The Endodontic Office, we provide advanced diagnosis and tailored treatment for all forms of tooth resorption, with the primary goal of preserving your natural tooth and preventing further damage.

Types of Tooth Resorption

1. Internal Resorption

This occurs when the resorption process starts from inside the pulp chamber or root canal, often triggered by trauma or chronic inflammation.

Signs:

• Pink spot inside the tooth (due to vascular tissue)
• No symptoms in early stages
• A tooth may fracture if left untreated

2. External Resorption

Starts on the root surface and moves inward. This may be due to trauma, orthodontic treatment, pressure from impacted teeth, infection, or idiopathic (unknown) causes.

Forms include:

• Surface resorption
• Inflammatory resorption
• Replacement resorption (ankylosis)

Causes of Tooth Resorption

• Trauma to the tooth (e.g., sports injury, accident)
• Orthodontic movement causing excessive pressure
• Chronic infection or inflammation
• Impacted teeth exerting pressure
• Re-implantation after tooth avulsion
• Systemic conditions or idiopathic origins

Early detection is key. Many cases are diagnosed incidentally during routine X-rays.

Diagnosis at The Endodontic Office

We use a combination of:

• Digital X-rays and Cone Beam CT (CBCT) to assess the extent and type of resorption
• Pulp vitality testing to evaluate nerve health
• Microscopic examination during treatment for precision

Our goal is to differentiate between treatable and non-treatable forms of resorption and provide the most conservative, effective intervention.

Treatment Options for Tooth Resorption

Internal Resorption

• Root Canal Therapy is the treatment of choice. We remove the inflamed tissue and seal the canal to stop the resorption process.
• Bioceramic materials (like MTA) are used to fill irregular internal defects and reinforce the tooth structure.
• In advanced cases where the structural integrity is compromised, surgical repair or extraction may be considered.

External Resorption

Depending on the type and extent, we may recommend:

• Monitoring for minor surface resorption with no symptoms
• Root canal treatment if the pulp is involved
• Surgical repair to access and seal external defects
• Tooth extraction in cases of severe, non-restorable damage

Each case is unique. Our endodontists carefully assess the situation and present all viable options, prioritising tooth preservation when possible.

Why Choose The Endodontic Office?

• Advanced imaging and diagnostics (CBCT, Microscopes)
• Precision endodontic techniques
• Expertise in complex resorptive cases
• Minimally invasive microsurgery when required
• Compassionate, patient-first approach to your care

Post-Treatment Care

• Avoid chewing hard objects on the treated side
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene to reduce inflammation
• Attend scheduled follow-up visits and X-rays to monitor healing
• Report any pain, mobility, or colour changes promptly

In cases of surgical treatment or root repair, specific aftercare instructions will be provided to support optimal healing.

FAQs

Q: Can a resorbed tooth be saved?
A: In many cases, yes. If diagnosed early, internal or external resorption can be halted, and the tooth can be preserved. Delayed treatment may lead to significant damage requiring extraction.

Q: Is treatment painful?
A: No. Root canal therapy or surgical repair is performed under local anaesthesia. Patients typically experience only mild discomfort post-treatment, which is manageable with medication.

Q: How do I know if I have tooth resorption?
A: Most patients don’t notice any symptoms until the resorption becomes advanced. That’s why regular dental checkups and X-rays are essential for early detection.

Q: What if the tooth cannot be saved?
A: If the damage is too extensive, we will guide you through safe extraction and replacement options such as implants, bridges, or partial dentures.

When to Contact Us

You should schedule an evaluation at The Endodontic Office if:

• You have a history of dental trauma
• A tooth appears pink or dark
• You’re experiencing unexplained tooth mobility
• Your dentist suspects resorption on an X-ray

Preserving Natural Teeth Is Our Priority

At The Endodontic Office, we believe in proactive, patient-centred care. With early intervention and expert treatment, many cases of tooth resorption can be successfully managed. If you suspect resorption or have been referred for evaluation, book a consultation today.

Let’s work together to save your smile—one tooth at a time.