Root Resorption symptoms please?

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#1 Post by **unimaginative** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 1:05 am

I have spent so long in braces now (over 4 years in total) with probably another year or so to go that I am worried about the potential of root resorption.

Can someone explain the symptoms to me please?
Do teeth just fall out or do you end up with headaches etc.
Tried to google it, but no joy.

#2 Post by **unimaginative** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 5:25 am

Aww. Thanks for your concern.

I am in a non english speaking country so its taking me a while to get my bearings. But I have appointments booked for second opinions from recommended ortho's (and schools of dentistry) and I am feeling a bit better about things now. But the appointments are now a month away.

I think I will switch dentists, wether my current ortho reimburses me or not for the extra costs. I am sick with worry and I havnt even been sleeping properly. My only concern is that even if I am willing to switch, it may be too late to sort things out....but.....I guess there is no point worrying about what may never happen.

Just keep your fingers crossed for me.

#3 Post by **rsprouse** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 7:33 am

Radiographic diagnosis is the only way to determine if you are experiencing root resorption. It is very uncommon so I wouldn't worry about it. Teeth really just don't fall out. I have seen many a tooth "flapping in the breeze" with virtually no bone surrounding it and it still did not just fall out. As far as symptoms of root resorption it depends on if it is internal or external and you will likely have no outward symptoms. This is one of the reasons why it is always good to have regular check ups with your dentist. Good call on the second opinion, your sanity is worth a lot more than any amount of money for additional ortho treatment.

Good Luck,
Rory

#4 Post by **SandraJones** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 8:03 am

Hmmm, I did a 'net search on "root resorption" and I'm finding tons of info. Hit #2 was this article about orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption from angle.org:

http://www.angle.org/anglonline/?reques ... &page=0175

#5 Post by **unimaginative** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 8:35 am

Most of the info on Google (inc the link you posted) on resorption seems to relate to the causes of it. As my question here states, I am looking for more info on its effects, should the worst happen ie is it a fallen tooth or some deeper far reaching complications.

#6 Post by **Rickysa** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 10:52 am

Incipient resorption will show no symptoms....severe resorption (greater than 2/3 of the root) will show mobility...not the normal tiny movement that teeth in ortho treatment will often show, but quite wiggly.

Get a panorex done...or look at the latest one done. Your doc probably has done one within the last 6 months or so prior to your deband date. It will show any resorption.

Worst case is that it a tooth with severe resorption may need to be stabilized (bonded to adjacent teeth, or a lingual bonded wire). If you have had significant resorption, but the tooth isn't hyper-mobile (flapping in the breeze), the only concern is future bone loss due to poor hygiene....keep your teeth clean and the tooth will be fine.

Dr. S

#7 Post by **grinning** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:45 pm

My husband ended up with external root resorbtion on one of his front teeth that we were told was due to trauma when he was young (I think a puck in the face). The tooth was long since dead and was greying so he decided to have a veneer on it for appearances. Then around three or four years later (when his next panoramic was due) the root resorbtion showed up. He had no clue - no wiggly tooth or anything, and at that point he was told it was already too late to save the tooth. Never got a second opinion on that, now I'm wondering if perhaps the pulling of it and the implant were premature??

Anyhoo... guess I'm just trying to say no symptoms!

#8 Post by **unimaginative** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 2:33 am

THanks Dr.S.
That actually doesnt sound too bad. (I know that sounds wierd, but I wasnt sure if it would cause something seemingly unrelated like back aches or vertigo or something)