What Is Tooth Resorption and How to Treat it Properly?

Tooth resorption is a condition many patients have never heard of until it appears in a dental report or X-ray. When it does, it can sound worrying. In simple terms, tooth resorption happens when the body begins to break down part of a tooth, slowly causing the loss of its structure. While this process is normal in baby teeth, it is not normal in adult teeth and requires professional attention.

One of the challenges with tooth resorption is that it often develops quietly, without obvious symptoms in the early stages. This is why it is frequently discovered during routine dental check-ups rather than through pain or visible changes.

Understanding what tooth resorption is, why it happens, and how it is treated can help you take the right steps early and protect your long-term oral health.

How Tooth Resorption Affects Teeth

Tooth resorption does not affect every tooth in the same way. Depending on where it begins and how it progresses, different parts of the tooth structure can be involved. In permanent teeth, resorption may gradually weaken the tooth from the inside or the outside, reducing its strength and stability over time.

In children, resorption is a natural process that allows baby teeth to fall out and make room for adult teeth. In adults, however, this same process can cause damage that may lead to complications if left untreated. The affected tooth may become fragile, more prone to decay, or at risk of infection and tooth loss.

Because the changes often occur below the surface, they are not always visible without dental imaging. This makes early diagnosis through routine examinations and X-rays especially important.

What Causes Tooth Resorption?

The exact cause of tooth resorption is not always clear, but certain factors are known to increase the risk. Physical trauma to the teeth or jaw is one of the most common triggers. This can include sports injuries, accidents, or prolonged pressure on the teeth.

Other contributing factors may include teeth grinding, aggressive tooth bleaching, previous dental procedures, or long-term orthodontic treatment. While not everyone with these risk factors will develop tooth resorption, they can make some patients more susceptible.

Tooth Resorption Symptoms

In many cases, tooth resorption causes no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. This is particularly true for internal resorption, which develops inside the tooth.

Another type of resorption is external resorption, which has distinct symptoms:

• Cavities
• Cavity-like holes in the teeth
• Swelling and redness of the gums
• Irregular spacing of the teeth
• Changes in tooth colour
• Pain from the root, crown or inside the tooth
• Brittle teeth that chip easily

Types of Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption affecting permanent teeth is generally classified into two main types, based on where the process begins and which part of the tooth is affected. These are known as internal and external tooth resorption. While both involve the gradual loss of tooth structure, they differ in how they develop, how they are detected, and how they are treated.

Internal Tooth Resorption

Internal tooth resorption starts from the inside of the tooth and affects the pulp chamber or the dentin surrounding it. It is significantly less common than external resorption and is often more difficult to detect in its early stages because the outer surface of the tooth may appear completely normal.

This type of resorption is most commonly identified during routine dental X-rays, where it appears as dark or irregular areas within the tooth structure, indicating missing tissue. In some cases, a faint pink or reddish discolouration may become visible through the enamel, which can be an early sign of internal resorption.

Internal resorption occurs when the dentin or cementum begins to be absorbed into the tooth canal, triggering inflammation within the tooth. As the process continues, the tooth can become hollow from the inside, making it weaker and more vulnerable to chipping, cracking, or decay. If left untreated, internal resorption can eventually compromise the entire tooth.

External Tooth Resorption

External tooth resorption is more common and begins on the outer surface of the tooth or along the root. It is most often associated with physical trauma to the teeth or jaw, such as sports injuries, accidents, or prolonged pressure from orthodontic treatment.

External resorption can affect different areas of the tooth, including the root surface, the cementum, or the area near the gum line. In some cases, it may resemble deep cavities or chips in the tooth. When the root is affected, external resorption is typically visible on X-rays as shortening of the tooth roots or flattening of the root tips.

Because the signs of external resorption can resemble other dental issues, such as decay or gum disease, a professional dental assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Tooth Resorption Treatment Options

Treatment for tooth resorption depends on how advanced the condition is and which part of the tooth is affected. The primary goal is always to stop the resorption process and preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.

If left untreated, tooth resorption can progress and lead to further complications, including:

• Tooth infections
• Crooked or shifting teeth
• Chipped or weakened teeth
• Loss of one or more teeth
• Ongoing mouth or jaw problems

Because early-stage resorption often has no obvious symptoms, early detection plays a critical role in preventing these outcomes and simplifying treatment.

Common Treatment Approaches

Each case of tooth resorption is assessed individually. Treatment typically focuses on removing damaged tissue to prevent the resorption from continuing and stabilising the affected tooth.

Depending on the severity, treatment options may include:

• Root canal treatment
  This procedure involves removing the inflamed or damaged pulp from inside the tooth. It is commonly used in cases of internal resorption and helps stop further breakdown from within.

• Dental crowns
  A crown may be placed over a weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. Crowns also help protect the remaining tooth structure after treatment.

• Gum surgery
  In cases where external resorption affects the root or surrounding gum tissue, surgical procedures may be required. These can include gingival flap surgery, tissue regeneration, crown lengthening, or soft tissue grafting, depending on the extent of the damage.

• Tooth extraction
  When resorption is severe and the tooth cannot be saved, removal of the affected tooth may be the safest option to prevent infection and further complications.

If a tooth needs to be removed, replacement options such as dental implants or veneers may be considered to restore both function and appearance, helping maintain a natural-looking smile.

Can Tooth Resorption Be Prevented?

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits help reduce the risk of many dental problems, but tooth resorption can still occur, particularly after trauma. Wearing a custom mouthguard during contact sports and addressing habits such as teeth grinding can help lower the risk.

Adults should be attentive to changes in their teeth or gums and seek dental advice promptly if something feels unusual.

Expert Dental Care at MGA Dental

Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in managing tooth resorption effectively. At MGA Dental, our team in the Gold Coast and Brisbane provides comprehensive dental care focused on early detection and personalised treatment planning.

We use detailed clinical assessments and dental imaging to identify tooth resorption as early as possible and guide patients through the most appropriate treatment options. Our approach prioritises preserving natural teeth whenever possible.

If you have concerns about tooth resorption or would like professional advice, contact us at MGA Dental to book a consultation and take the next step toward protecting your smile.