Exposed Teeth Roots

You must protect the remaining tooth structure when your teeth are exposed due to trauma, decay, or other causes. Exposed tooth roots can be prone to additional decay and bacteria because there is no enamel shield. Roots exposed for an extended period have a higher risk of needing root canal therapy rather than simply filling because of the risk of infection.

Once your dentist determines that the exposure will not cause further damage, they will discuss what kind of restoration will be necessary and which materials would be best for keeping the tooth as strong as possible.

There are many ways a tooth can become painfully exposed. It would help if you took care of your teeth, so you don’t end up in this situation. To learn more about protecting your teeth, read this blog post on how to prevent dental emergencies like exposing roots to teeth.

Teeth Roots Exposed: What’s Going On?

Exposed roots are a dental emergency and are usually caused by trauma that has dislodged the enamel and exposed the sensitive root tissue. When a tooth is knocked out of its socket, the force of the impact can cause the root to be exposed.

The same goes for a tooth that has been cracked, which can lead to the nerve being slightly exposed. Teeth can also be exposed during a dental procedure, such as an extraction. You must let your dentist know if a tooth is loose during extraction because they may be able to save it by repositioning it.

Those who wear braces may also experience pain if the wire becomes slightly dislodged, exposing the root of a tooth. Pregnancy can also make a woman prone to periodontal disease and cavities due to hormonal changes. Periodontal or gum disease usually leads to tooth root exposure when left untreated. 

Recognizing When A Root Is Exposed

It would help if you had your teeth examined by a dentist regularly to check for anything abnormal with your dental health. Be on the lookout for signs that one or more of your teeth may be experiencing tooth root exposure, including symptoms like swelling in the area, redness, or pain when you chew.

If you are pregnant and notice pain in your mouth, it could be a loose tooth or one that has been infected due to periodontal disease, which can cause a tooth to become loose. 

Experiencing changes and pain inside your mouth should be given attention immediately. Get to the dentist as soon as possible.

Typical Symptoms Of An Exposed Tooth Root

If your tooth has been knocked out of its socket, there’s a good chance that its roots have also been exposed. Look for swelling and redness in the gums around the tooth and check if the tooth feels loose. Contact your dentist immediately so they can check and proceed with the necessary procedure to save the tooth. 

Another symptom is sensitivity around the tooth. When sensitivity is present, especially when eating and drinking hot or cold food, it’s usually an early sign of your gum receding, leaving an exposed tooth root. 

Be On The Look Out For These Causes (and How to Avoid Them)!

If you have a tooth knocked out and it can’t be put back in its socket, make sure you get to a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will know what to do in these kinds of situations.

Exposed tooth roots can also be caused by aggressively brushing your teeth with a hard-bristled toothbrush. This can tear the gums and cause them to recede, leaving the tooth root exposed and susceptible to harmful bacteria. Try to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with the proper pressure to avoid irritation around the gums. 

Options For Fixing Your Exposed Tooth Root

This depends on the extent of the damage and how much of the root is exposed. If only a tiny piece of the root is exposed, your dentist may be able to cover it up with a sealant to prevent infection.

If a more significant portion of the root is exposed, your dentist may be able to place an overlay or build up the tooth with composite resin. In some cases, the only option is to remove the tooth. Your dentist may be able to avoid an extraction if you have a tooth knocked out, but the tooth has been out for less than an hour and can be put back in its socket. Remember to keep the knocked-out tooth moist until you reach the dentist. 

The dentist will first clean the socket and place a dental adhesive in the area to help the tooth re-implant. The dentist may also place gauze in the socket to help with re-implantation.

Suggestions For An Exposed Root Treatment

If you have a tooth with an exposed root, you may be able to avoid a root canal by getting a dental crown placed over the tooth. Your dentist may recommend a crown for a tooth with an exposed root if the tooth can’t be saved with a root canal procedure.

If a tooth has been cracked and it goes all the way through the tooth, it could lead to the tooth breaking off at any time. If a cracked tooth becomes infected, it may need to be extracted. In case the tooth has been cracked or knocked out but can be saved, don’t try to repair it yourself. 

Instead, get to a dentist as soon as possible. If a tooth has been cracked but is still intact and has not become infected, your dentist may be able to place a dental bonding material or crown on the tooth to help it heal.

When Roots Are Exposed Too Far For An Easy Fix

If the damage is extensive, the dentist may recommend removing the tooth. In this case, it would be best to remove the tooth because the healing process would be too long and challenging. 

This might be the best option if the injury to the tooth occurred a long time ago. No worries, though. Your dentist can help fill the gap with a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. And you can still smile as confidently and brightly as before. 

An Exposed Tooth Root Gets You To The Dentist; Now It’s Your Turn To Keep Your Teeth Healthy

One of the best things you can do to prevent an exposed root is to keep your teeth healthy and clean. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss once a day to help prevent plaque and tartar from building up and causing damage to your teeth.

If you need help keeping your teeth healthy, you can visit your dentist for professional teeth cleaning services and other necessary procedures to keep your smile healthy. 

Also, try to maintain a healthy diet and avoid eating sugary and starchy foods, as they can cause tooth decay and plaque build-up. 

Contact Shabani Dental For Your Next Dental Visit

Whether you need cleaning and an exam or are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, our team is here to help. We understand that each patient has unique needs, and we pride ourselves on providing them with the personalized care they deserve.

Shabani Dental offers various dental services, including teeth cleaning and treatment of tooth root exposure, to help you achieve optimal oral health. Visit our website to learn more about our services, or call us at (818) 600-4012 to schedule an appointment.