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Is Root Canal Treatment The Method To Treat Internal Resorption?

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Posted on Tue, 12 May 2015
Question: my dentist diagnosed me with internal resorption on tooth 13..actually he does not know if it is external or internal and wants me to do a cbct scan to determine the area of damage. I had braces as a kid but do not remember any trauma to my front teeth..what would cause this..the area that showed resorption is below the gum line about half way down the tooth root..my tooth was having cold sensitivity but no real pain..that is why I went in to see my dentist. he wants me to have a root canal if it is internal..and put some medicine in the tooth for 2 weeks to try and heal the tooth..calcium product..my question is can I wait on this ..if it is slow process..or maybe it has been there for many years..i am 56 years..i do not want to lose my tooth but I do not want to do something that is not necessary ..he also said I had calcifications..what does that mean..will other teeth develop this internal absorption..can I look at old xray and determine how quick the damage has occurred..please help me figure this out
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It might take years for the internal resorption to occur.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query.
As far as the internal resorption in concerned it can occur secondary to trauma, deep restorations and vitamin D deficiency. It is a long process but asymptomatic. It might take years for the internal resorption to occur. It is better to get a root canal treatment done as early as possible because the tooth is weak because of the internal resorption. There are chances of tooth getting fractured. If it fractures then we cannot save the tooth.
These are the possible causes and treatment plan based on the description of your problem.
If you can upload the images of the teeth and the radiograph I can tell you the exact diagnosis and treatment plan.
Regarding calcification, it will not trouble you. It is quiet common as the age advances. It might create little difficulty during root canal treatment. Nothing to worry. Get a CBCT done and go ahead with root canal treatment.
I hope I have answered your query. If any queries are there reply me back.
take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (24 hours later)
since i have internal absorption in one tooth does it make me more prone to get in in other teeth. i will have a cbct scan next week will it show if other teeth are involved..does a cbct scan have a lot of radiation? Should i be looking at other health issues..weak immune system etc. it is not causing me any pain can i develop a wait and see approach..my body is real sensitive to meds..the meds they put in my tooth for two weeks is it harmful side effects. i will try to download xray..thanks so much!!
the area of resorption seems to be below the gum line ..my tooth is not loose..has within normal limits on pockets between 1-3..does not respond to tapping..since it is such a slow process can i just leave it alone..and see what happens..can i review past xrays and determine how fast the resorption is occuring..thanks again so much!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
get it treated as early as possible. it will not spread to other teeth

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
The internal resorption will not spread to other teeth. If you get a OPG or CBCT, it will reveal the status of all the teeth. Regarding the radiation exposure it is very minimal and you can take precautions by wearing lead apron. I advise you to get the tooth treated because of the tooth fractures, then even if you want to save the tooth, it will not be possible to save. So get it treated as early as possible. Prevention is better than cure. You can also avoid medicines. If you don't get it treated it can get infected leading to abscess formation.
I hope I have answered your query. Take care.
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S

Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 3377 Questions

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Is Root Canal Treatment The Method To Treat Internal Resorption?

Brief Answer: It might take years for the internal resorption to occur. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query. As far as the internal resorption in concerned it can occur secondary to trauma, deep restorations and vitamin D deficiency. It is a long process but asymptomatic. It might take years for the internal resorption to occur. It is better to get a root canal treatment done as early as possible because the tooth is weak because of the internal resorption. There are chances of tooth getting fractured. If it fractures then we cannot save the tooth. These are the possible causes and treatment plan based on the description of your problem. If you can upload the images of the teeth and the radiograph I can tell you the exact diagnosis and treatment plan. Regarding calcification, it will not trouble you. It is quiet common as the age advances. It might create little difficulty during root canal treatment. Nothing to worry. Get a CBCT done and go ahead with root canal treatment. I hope I have answered your query. If any queries are there reply me back. take care.