Tooth Resorption: Las Vegas Dentist Guide for Parents

What Is Tooth Resorption in Children, and When Is It Normal?

Tooth resorption occurs when the body slowly absorbs and destroys parts of the tooth's hard tissue. This is usually entirely normal in children. Tooth resorption is essential in making room for the permanent teeth to erupt.

How does normal resorption differ from abnormal resorption?

Normal baby tooth resorption is one that takes place as part of the normal shedding of baby teeth. Pathologic resorption takes place beyond the normal resorption of baby teeth.

It can take place on a baby tooth before its time or a permanent tooth.

A simple way to think about the difference is:

• Normal resorption helps a primary tooth make way for its replacement.
• Abnormal resorption causes loss of tooth structure when that loss is not part of normal development.
• Permanent tooth root resorption is not an expected stage of childhood tooth replacement.

Resorption alone does not necessarily signify problems. A Kids dentist must take into account which tooth is affected, the developmental stage of the child, and the type of resorption process that is taking place.

What is the difference between internal and external resorption?

Resorption may also be categorized based on its initiation site.

Internal tooth resorption initiates within the tooth, and dentin around the pulp or root canal space is resorbed.

External root resorption starts from the outer surface of the root. External resorption may vary in form, and its etiology may differ.

It should be noted that the term "external" does not always imply pathologic conditions because physiologic resorption of baby tooth roots occurs externally from the root surface as well.

Can resorption affect a child’s permanent teeth?

Yes. Resorption can affect permanent teeth, but it should not be considered a normal part of permanent tooth development.

What Causes Abnormal Resorption, and How Does a Dentist Find It?

Can an earlier dental injury lead to root resorption?

Yes. Dental trauma can contribute to certain types of root resorption.

An injured tooth appears fairly normal right after the incident but may later show alterations to the pulp, surrounding structures, or root. Dental injuries due to trauma are not exempted from requiring follow-up after the immediate aftermath of injury because resorption is one example of an unfavorable result that could occur post-trauma.

What changes might parents notice?

Some children have no obvious symptoms. When changes are present, parents might notice:

• unexpected looseness in a tooth,
• discomfort or tenderness,
• swelling near a tooth,
• a change in tooth color,
• or a dental change following an injury.

All of these symptoms do not necessarily mean that there is resorption going on in the child’s teeth. Other causes of cavities, infections, injuries, normal tooth loss, and many others can exhibit the same symptoms.

Resorption cannot be diagnosed just by inspecting a tooth.

Can tooth resorption develop without pain?

Yes. There are certain types of root resorption that may occur without causing pain.

One type of root resorption that does not cause pain is internal root resorption.

When should parents seek prompt dental care?

Parents can usually discuss normally loosening baby teeth and routine shedding questions during regular dental visits.

Arrange a prompt pediatric dental assessment if a child develops:

• unexpected tooth looseness,
• persistent dental pain,
• swelling around a tooth,
• significant tooth discoloration,
• a recent injury to a tooth,
• or an unexplained change involving a permanent tooth.

For significant facial swelling accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical or dental care.