Are Exposed Tooth Roots Common?
If you have an exposed tooth root, you may be wondering how serious it is and whether or not the condition is common. Below is helpful information about exposed tooth roots, including the causes, whether they are common, treatment options, and more.
The Causes of Exposed Tooth Roots
There are a variety of different conditions that lead to exposed tooth roots. These include:
- Gum disease
- Gum injury
- Infection
- Bruxism
- Tooth misalignment
Are Exposed Tooth Roots Common?
No. This is not a common condition and, if you notice it, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you can address the issue that is causing your exposed tooth root, the better.
Symptoms of a Serious Issue
Seeing the root of your tooth is a major symptom, but it isn’t the only symptom of an exposed tooth root. Here are some other symptoms to look for:
- Gum bleeding
- Pain
- Sensitivity
- Swelling
- Fever
- Other infection symptoms
Often, especially in conjunction with an exposed root, these symptoms are indicators of a serious oral health issue. If you notice these symptoms alongside your exposed tooth root, make sure you schedule an appointment with your dentist for as soon as possible. If the symptoms are causing major distress, you may need to schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist.
Can You Fix Exposed Tooth Roots?
Before you consider fixing the appearance of an exposed root, you’ll first need to address the underlying issue causing the problem. Here are some common solutions:
- Root canal: A root canal (root canal therapy) is a procedure in which your dentist removes the infected pulp from the root of your tooth. This infection often leads to an exposed root.
- Deep Cleaning: A deep cleaning involves a dentist cleaning below your gumline and getting rid of any plaque and tartar buildup.
- Extraction: An extraction is when your dentist removes your tooth. This isn’t a common solution and will only be performed if absolutely necessary.
Gum grafting: Once the underlying issue is addressed, you can consider gum grafting to resolve the cosmetic appearance of the exposed tooth root. This involves moving healthy tissue to the teeth where the gums have receded.
How You Can Prevent Exposed Roots
Preventing an exposed root usually comes down to taking good care of your oral health. Visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup and take care of your oral health at home. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing. You’ll also want to purchase a night guard if you suffer from bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding). If you smoke, quit smoking or using any tobacco products immediately.
Contact Us
If you have an exposed tooth root, contact us today. We’ll schedule you an appointment for as soon as possible to check out the tooth with the exposed root and determine the underlying cause. From there, we’ll put a plan in place to treat the condition.