Understanding and treating resorption
Tooth resorption can affect the tooth’s internal structure or root surface. We assess the affected area carefully to understand the extent of the resorption and whether treatment is appropriate.
Tooth resorption occurs when the body breaks down and absorbs part of the tooth’s own tissue. It can begin inside the tooth, known as internal root resorption, or affect the outer root surface, and is usually painless in the early stages. Because there may be no obvious symptoms, tooth resorption is often discovered on an X-ray during a routine dental examination. Early assessment can help determine where the resorption is occurring and how much of the tooth is affected.
Internal root resorption starts inside the tooth, around the space that contains the pulp and root canal. As the resorption progresses, it can make this space wider or change its usual shape. The affected area remains connected to the root canal.
External root resorption starts on the outside of the root and works inward. The root canal may remain intact as the resorption affects the surrounding root structure. Its appearance can vary depending on where the resorption has started and how far it has progressed.
Both types can be painless in their early stages and may be detected during dental imaging. Dental internal resorption and external resorption require different treatment considerations based on the location and extent of the affected area.
Several factors can contribute to internal and external tooth resorption, including:
Diagnosis begins with a clinical assessment and dental X-rays to identify the location and extent of the affected area. Where a standard X-ray does not provide enough detail, CBCT can provide a three-dimensional view of the tooth and surrounding structures, helping us assess the extent of dental internal resorption and plan the appropriate treatment.
Treatment depends on where the resorption has occurred, how extensive it is and whether the tooth can be restored. Options may include:
Root canal treatment may be used for internal root resorption where the remaining tooth structure can be restored. It treats the affected area inside the tooth while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
If resorption affects a tooth that has already had root canal treatment, root canal retreatment may be considered to address areas that require further treatment.
Root end surgery or apicoectomy may be considered when the affected area cannot be adequately treated through the root canal and surgical access is required.
We aim to preserve the natural tooth whenever possible, but if resorption has caused extensive damage and other treatment options are no longer suitable, extraction may be considered.
In some cases, stable resorption may be monitored with regular clinical examinations and dental imaging rather than treated immediately. An early assessment can give you more treatment options and a chance of preserving your natural tooth.
Tooth resorption is often identified during a routine dental examination before you notice any symptoms. If your dentist refers you to our endodontist, we’ll assess the tooth in more detail, review your imaging and explain what we find. From there, we can discuss whether treatment is needed and the options available to you.
Need to refer a case? Find out how our specialist endodontist can help.
It depends on the type, location and extent of the resorption. Your endodontist will assess the tooth and explain whether it can be preserved, along with the treatment options available.
Tooth resorption is often painless, particularly in its early stages. It may only be discovered during a routine dental examination or X-ray before any symptoms develop.
Tooth resorption is often detected during a routine dental examination, typically when an X-ray reveals changes that may not cause symptoms. Further imaging, such as CBCT, may be used to understand the location and extent of the resorption.
When your dentist identifies possible tooth resorption, a specialist assessment can provide a clearer picture of what is happening and what treatment may be appropriate. Our endodontist can assess the affected area, explain the findings and talk you through the next step.
If you’d like to learn more, see what’s involved in cracked tooth treatment.