While most of what we see and discuss about oral health is visible, hidden teeth roots are safely tucked away beneath the gum tissue, nestled cozily in their respective sockets, coated with cementum and supported by soft ligaments. Though we cannot see teeth roots, their stability and health create the foundation for everything your teeth aid in–communicating with words and expressions, and biting and chewing foods for predigestion.
In today’s blog, you’ll learn about teeth root infections, exposure, and treatments. Drs. Halan Tran and Ann Phan, the gentle female dental team at Miracle Dental, want you to feel informed and empowered when it comes to making decisions about your oral health. Call us today at (703) 456-0056 to schedule your consultation, checkup, or second-opinion appointment with our Las Vegas dentist.
How Teeth Stay Secure
Just as a skyscraper requires a solid foundation, your teeth need healthy roots. Each of your teeth is made up of an upper portion coated with enamel, the crown, and a hidden portion not coated with enamel, the root. Teeth roots don’t need protective enamel because they’re below the gum tissue, held tightly to the jawbone by cementum and ligaments.
The ligaments buffer the forces of chewing, making the process comfortable. Their movement as we chew also tells the body to deliver important nutrients to the tooth. When a tooth is lost, those minerals are diverted elsewhere in the body, and the jawbone loses strength and density.
EXPOSED: Teeth Roots Unveiled
Because teeth roots aren’t protected with enamel, when gum tissue recedes, you may notice increased dental sensitivity. You may also see the exposed roots in the mirror, develop sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and your gums may feel tender. Teeth roots are prone to cavities, particularly when they are exposed.
Some people’s teeth become so sensitive that even a gust of wind causes intense dental pain.
Fortunately, our Las Vegas dentists can address gum recession, and gum disease, with effective treatments that reduce or eliminate pain and sensitivity, while protecting sensitive teeth roots. In some cases, a deep dental cleaning and periodontal maintenance program allow gums to regrow over teeth roots, while other cases require gum grafting for best results.
Root Infections–Hidden, Hurtful, and Harmful
We’ve looked at the exterior of tooth roots, but now let’s go deeper. Let’s look at the interior of tooth roots. Each tooth features a canal in which the tooth’s nerve lives. The nerve provides bloodflow, with nutrients and minerals, while also removing waste as necessary. The canal of a tooth is sealed off, but when a cavity, crack, or abscess develops on or in a tooth’s root, pain can become quite acute.
You may notice persistent pain, swelling of gum tissue around the tooth, pressure sensitivity, and pus at the gum line if your tooth becomes internally infected. A root canal treatment may save an infected tooth from extraction. We perform root canal therapy in our office, along with patient comfort measures and a kind, empathetic chairside manner.
When unavoidable, our Las Vegas dentists can extract an internally infected tooth and replace it with a bridge or dental implant. Left untreated, root infections can spread to the bloodstream and cause systemic health concerns. Early treatment is best!
Why Root Health Affects Your Entire Smile
When teeth roots experience infection or other trauma, left untreated the condition may lead to:
- Tooth loss or loosening
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Death of surrounding gum tissue
- Spread of infection in mouth and bloodstream
- Bite imbalance from unstable tooth/teeth
- Resulting bruxism
- Resulting TMJ disorder
Call Your Las Vegas Dentist for Consultation Today!
Healthy tooth roots create a strong foundation for oral health and function. If you’ve noticed abnormalities, like pain, gum recession, or sensitivity, it’s time to come see Dr. Tran or Dr. Pham for a full examination. We’ll get to the bottom of your issue and propose effective treatment that will not only restore your oral health, but also your brilliant smile and self-confidence!
Call at Miracle Dental in Las Vegas today, at (702) 456-0056 or schedule your consultation online.
