Tooth root decay: causes, symptoms, and treatment

Tooth decay on the root surface is also known as the cavity on the root surface or root decay. This potential problem is very harmful to oral health and should be treated immediately to prevent serious damage to the tooth. In this article, information about root caries, the causes of this phenomenon, the connection of this problem with gum diseases and receding gum tissue, and the methods of tooth and tissue restoration are provided. If you are worried about your tooth root decay, contact a dentist in Canada. as soon as possible for treatment.

Tooth decay on root surfaces

Although many people are lucky and their tooth enamel is resistant to cavities, there are few people whose tooth roots are resistant to cavities. The surface of the root, like the crown of the tooth, does not have a hard and protective enamel coating. When the gums recede below the enamel line or lift from the tooth in general, the root surface is exposed. This unprotected tooth structure is much thinner and more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Cavity decay occurs only when the root of the tooth has come out from under the gum line or the connection between the gum tissue and the root of the tooth has been lost. The spaces between teeth and gum tissue are known as periodontal cavities, and healthy cavities are superficial and are completely next to the teeth. When the depth of these periodontal cavities increases, the tooth moves, and bacteria and plaque accumulate between the gum and the tooth. This problem can lead to gum disease, caries, tooth abscesses, and several other oral diseases. Receding gum tissue and deepening periodontal cavities are caused by untreated gum diseases.

Causes of root decay and gingivitis

There are many reasons for root decay and gum recession. Some of the most common are:

• Lack of proper oral and dental hygiene – not brushing and flossing daily
• Improper brushing – rough brushing or using a coarse toothbrush
• Age – increasing age causes the gums to recede and the roots become visible.
• Periodontal diseases – which are also known as gum diseases, cause periodontal cavities to deepen, gums to recede, and create plaque and bacteria on the roots of the teeth.
• Genetics – periodontal diseases, receding gums due to age, and weak tooth enamel can be hereditary.
• Diabetes – this disease weakens the body’s immune system and causes inflammation and sometimes more severe gum diseases as well as receding gum tissue.
• Messy teeth – Messy teeth are more difficult to clean and therefore can increase the risk of gum disease.
• Tobacco use – smoking, chewing tobacco, or any other method of using tobacco can damage teeth, weaken tooth enamel, cause oral problems, and of course increase the risk of gum disease.
• Drug use – Many drugs because the dry mouth and increase the risk of oral diseases such as gum disease and caries.
• Trauma – damage to teeth or gums can cause the growth of bacteria in dental fractures, their growth, and, of course, their spread in the gum line.

Symptoms of tooth-root decay

In some cases, the patient does not have any symptoms of root decay. In other cases, the patient may have some of the following symptoms:

• The identified root may be sensitive to heat, cold, sweet foods, and drinks.
• The patient may experience a constant toothache or shoot in the affected area.
• Pain when chewing.
• Swelling or redness of the gums around a tooth.
• The feeling of loose teeth.
• Fracture in tooth enamel.
• Discoloration of tooth enamel.
• Receding gums.
• Infection or ulceration around the damaged tooth.

Treatment methods for root decay and receding gums

The best treatment method for receding gums and root decay is related to the causes of receding gums and the extent of root decay. Some common treatments for root decay and receding gums are:

• Periodontal treatment – If the cause of receding gums is periodontal diseases, the patient needs periodontal treatment by a dental hygienist and this treatment usually starts with scaling and root cleaning. Plaque and dental plaque are removed from the root surfaces of the teeth. Periodontal treatment can help to heal the gum tissues and reattach them to the tooth surface.
• Graft surgery – If the amount of receding gums is severe, sometimes gum grafting is needed. Grafting protects the root surface against sensitivity and subsequent decay.
• Tooth restoration – in case of tooth decay or root decay, the patient must remove the decayed part and fill its place. Our dental group has not used amalgam fillings for more than 25 years. Instead, we fill the space of the decayed tooth using tooth-colored composites. When you talk or laugh, it should not be obvious that you have a tooth filling. Also, we offer porcelain veneers and other veneers to patients.
• Antibiotics – oral or topical antibiotics may be needed to treat gum infections and tooth abscesses. Antibiotic treatment may also be an important part of the periodontal treatment process to reduce the number of oral bacteria that produce acidic plaque and lead to damage to soft tissue as well as weakening or decay of tooth enamel.
• Root canal extraction – When the root decay reaches the inner part of the tooth (pulp) and where the tooth nerve is located, it may be necessary to perform a root canal to remove the pulp of the damaged tooth and prevent tooth extraction. In our clinic, tooth denervation is done with a laser. The possibility of infection with laser is almost zero.
• Extraction and reimplantation – If the root damage is so severe that the tooth cannot be treated, extraction and reimplantation may be required. We try our best not to pull the tooth, but if it is necessary to pull it, there are many ways to implant the tooth and keep your smile beautiful.
• Carrying out preventive care – in addition to treatments related to receding gums and root decay, the patient must maintain good oral and dental hygiene at home, and perform regular scaling and check-ups every six months. Our dentists teach patients the correct way to brush and floss so that they can clean the surface of teeth and gums well and prevent the development of gum diseases. These methods do not improve the current problems, but they prevent the progression of the disease.