Dentistry/Short Root

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Expert: - 2/1/2009


Question
My daughter is 9 and we just discovered she has short roots in both her upper middle and lower middle teeth what can be down to help her keep these teeth? Her dentist thinks she will lose them.

Answer
Depending on just how short the roots are will determine the prognosis for those teeth.  It's quite possible to keep the shortened teeth if there is adequate root length.  There are some long-term precautions that can be taken to prolong the life and longevity of the affected teeth.  First, a lifetime of excellent oral hygiene will prevent gingivitis, periodontal disease and loss of bone support.  Also, use of a mouthguard for all sports activities will help prevent trauma to the teeth.  Periodontal disease and trauma are the two problems that will contribute to early loss of tooth structure and bone support.  Preventing these problems will be very helpful in the long run.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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