Tooth Resorption and Cancer: The Connection You Need to Know
Mar 01
Is there any connection between tooth resorption and cancer? This blog post will discuss the link between the two and what you need to know about them. Resorption is a condition that causes the teeth to disappear over time slowly. While cancer is not always caused, it can cause tooth decay and eventually tooth loss. If you are experiencing symptoms of resorption, it is essential to see your dentist right away. They can help diagnose the problem and provide treatment options.
What is Root resorption? Can it be fixed?
Root resorption is the loss of tooth structure from the root surface. Several factors can cause it
-Injury
-Dental procedures
-Inflammation
Root resorption is a severe condition that can lead to tooth loss. If you think you may have root resorption, it is essential to see your dentist.
Leading causes of Root resorption:
The leading cause of root resorption is inflammation. This can be caused by:
-Infection
-Gum disease or periodontal disease
-Trauma
-Braces
-Crowns
What are the Symptoms of Tooth Resorption?
The main symptom of resorption is tooth pain. You may also experience:
-Toothache
-Cavity like areas
-Sensitivity to hot and cold
-Swollen gums
-Loose teeth
Prevention of tooth resorption:
There is no known way to prevent resorption. However, you can reduce your risk of developing the condition by:
-Practicing good oral hygiene
-Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
-Avoiding injuries to your teeth
Tooth resorption treatment
If you are a case of tooth resorption, your dentist will recommend some treatment options. These may include:
-Root canal therapy
-Crowns or bridges
-Dentures
-Dental Implants
It is important to seek treatment for teeth resorption as soon as possible. Left untreated, the condition can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.
Types of tooth root resorption
There are two types of tooth root resorption:
-External root resorption: This type occurs on the outside of the tooth. It is often caused by inflammation or infection.
-Internal root resorption: This type occurs on the inside of the tooth. It is often caused by trauma or injury to adult teeth. Internal resorption is not visible to the naked eye.
How does tooth resorption occur?
There are two ways that teeth resorption can occur:
-Inflammatory: This type of resorption is caused by inflammation. It often occurs in response to infection, trauma, or gum disease.
-Traumatic: This type of resorption is caused by injury or trauma to the tooth. It can be caused by an accident or a dental procedure.
The periodontal ligament cells cause external resorption. The periodontal ligament cells are located between the tooth and the bone. When inflamed, they break down the bone and cause the tooth to loosen.
Internal root resorption is caused by damage to the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is a soft tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves. It is located in the center of the tooth. When it becomes damaged, it can cause the surrounding tissues to break down, leading to internal root resorption.
What are the risk factors for tooth resorption?
There are several risk factors for tooth resorption, including:
-Age: Tooth resorption is more common in older adults.
-Dental history: If you have had previous dental work, you may be at increased risk for developing tooth resorption.
-Family history: If you have a family history of tooth resorption, you may be more likely to develop the condition.
-Smoking: Smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of developing tooth resorption.
Internal and external root resorption FAQs
-What is the difference between internal and external root resorption?
Internal root resorption occurs on the inside of the tooth, while external root resorption occurs outside the tooth.
-Can you reverse internal root resorption?
Yes, in some cases, internal root resorption can be reversed. However, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible.
-What are the symptoms of external root resorption?
The main symptom of external root resorption is a hole in the tooth. You may also experience pain, sensitivity, or Swelling.
-Is external resorption severe?
Yes, external tooth resorption is a severe condition that can lead to tooth loss. If you think you may have external root resorption, it is essential to see your dentist.
-Can you prevent internal resorption?
There is no known way to prevent internal resorption. However, you can reduce your risk of developing the condition by avoiding injuries to your teeth.
-What are the treatment options for external resorption?
The treatment options for external resorption include Root canal treatment, crown or bridge, Denture, and Dental implant. It is essential to seek treatment for external root resorption as soon as possible. Left untreated, the condition can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.
-What are the treatment options for internal root resorption?
The treatments for both, Internal root resorption and external resorption are Dentures, Dental Implants, Crowns, Bridges, and Root canal treatment. Your dentist will recommend the right treatment option for you, depending on your case.
Cancer and Tooth Resorption:
There is no known connection between cancer and tooth resorption. However, some cancers can cause inflammation, which may lead to root resorption. Other than that, radiation for cancer treatment may lead to root resorption. If you are diagnosed with cancer, it is essential to see your dentist regularly so they can monitor your teeth for any signs of resorption.
Inflammatory root resorption after Braces
Braces are one of the most common causes of inflammatory root resorption because they pressure the teeth and roots. If you have braces, it is essential to see your dentist regularly. They can monitor your teeth and make sure that they are healthy.
Tooth resorption and its link to cancer
While the exact cause of tooth resorption is not always known, there is a strong link between the condition and cancer. Tooth resorption is often found in patients with advanced cancer, particularly those who have undergone radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is one of the most common causes of tooth resorption. If you are receiving radiation for cancer, you should regularly go to a dentist for regular dental checkups.
While there is no known cure for tooth resorption, treatment can help slow the condition’s progression.
The most common type of Oral cancer
Oral cancer is the most common type of head and neck cancer. It affects the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, or roof of the mouth. Mouth cancer is treatable if it is caught early. However, if it is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal.
Symptoms of Oral carcinoma
The symptoms of oral carcinomas can vary depending on the location of the tumor. However, some common symptoms include A lump or sore that does not heal, Swelling or redness in the mouth, White or red patches on the tongue, Bleeding in the mouth, Ear pain, Neck pain, tender, inflamed lymph nodes, and Trouble swallowing.
Squamous cell carcinoma 
Clinical studies reveal that Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of mouth cancer. It starts in the thin squamous cells, flat cells that line many body areas. Squamous cell carcinoma can be treated by early detection and treatment. However, if it is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal.
What is abnormal root resorption
Abnormal root resorption is the loss of tooth structure. It can be caused by many things, including injury, inflammation, infection, and radiation therapy.
While there is no known cure for tooth resorption, treatment can help slow the condition’s progression. The most common type of treatment is Root canal treatment. However, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected tooth or roots in some cases.
What is external cervical resorption?
External cervical resorption is a condition in which the roots of the teeth are exposed. Injury, inflammation, infection, and radiation therapy can cause external cervical resorption.
The most common treatment for external cervical resorption is surgery to remove the affected tooth or roots. In some cases, Dentures or Dental implant treatment may be necessary.
Resorption of tooth roots and malignant tumors
Malignant tumors are Cancers that spread to other parts of your body. Some malignant tumors can cause inflammation, which may lead to root resorption. To prevent them, radiation for cancer treatment may lead to progressive loss. If you are diagnosed with cancer, it is essential to see your dentist for regular dental checkups so they can monitor your teeth for any signs of resorption.
Patient education
Educating yourself is crucial when it comes to dental treatment. Your dentist should inform you about the link between cancer and tooth resorption. It is essential to know the symptoms of oral cancer to seek treatment as soon as possible if you experience any of them. A more accessible version of the cancer guide is available online if you need any help.
References:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/immune-disorders/what-is-tooth-resorption
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-external-resorption
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