What If You Have Exposed Tooth Roots?
Have you noticed more of a tooth showing than before? If so, you likely have an exposed tooth root.
Below is some helpful information about exposed tooth roots, including why they may be exposed, signs to look out for, treatment, and more.
Why Are My Tooth Roots Exposed?
There are a few reasons why a tooth root or multiple roots may be exposed. These include:
- Gum disease
- Gum injury
- Infection
- Tooth misalignment
- Bruxism
How Do I Know If My Roots Are Exposed?
The most obvious sign of an exposed root is simply seeing more of the root than you are used to seeing. With that said, unless the exposure is severe, you may be unsure as to whether the root is exposed or not. In addition to more of the root of your tooth showing, you may also experience swelling and sensitivity. If you believe your root is more exposed than it was before and you are experiencing those other symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist.
What If You Have Exposed Tooth Roots?
If you have exposed tooth roots, there are a few treatment options that your dentist may consider. These include:
- Root canal therapy: Root canal therapy (also known as a “root canal”) involves the removal of infected tissue from a tooth and can be used to help treat the underlying causes of an exposed root.
- Gum grafting: If the gums have receded, a gum graft can sometimes be performed to replace the missing gum tissue.
- Tooth extraction: If a tooth recession has become too severe, the only option may be tooth extraction. From there, a replacement like a dental implant can be considered to replace the missing tooth.
Exposed Root Prevention
There are a few ways you can prevent an exposed root from occurring. One of the easiest ways is to simply take proper care of your oral health. This means brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing. It also means visiting your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.
If you develop gum disease and it has gotten bad enough, a deep cleaning may be required. This procedure can help in preventing receding gums and treating the underlying issues that lead to recession.
Some other things you can do to prevent an exposed root from occurring are ceasing the use of tobacco products, lowering your levels of stress (which lessens teeth grinding), and improving your diet.
Reach Out Today
If you have a noticeably exposed root or you simply suspect that more of your root is showing, reach out today. We’ll schedule an appointment for a top dentist to take a look at your tooth and gum to see if the root is exposed. If so, a plan will be put in place to address the underlying issue that is leading to your root showing.
We look forward to speaking with you and helping to treat your exposed tooth root.