Expert: Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S. - 8/18/2007

Question
QUESTION: I HAVE EXTERNAL RESORPTION ON #25.  THERE IS  A HOLE BY THE GUM LINE ON THE INSIDE.  IS A ROOT CANAL AND THEN SURGURY NORMAL TREATMENT?  IS THIS SOMETHING THAT WILL LAST OR NOT

ANSWER: Dan,

Yes, surgery and root canal therapy are appropriate.  The cause of resorption is poorly understood.  Reoccurrence of resorption does occur in some cases.  Successful treatment is common but cannot be guaranteed.

Best wishes,

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Teeth # 24 and 26 are also affected.  They tried to do root
canals on 24 and 26, with no luck.   How many teeth are usually affected??  Will a removable device work ok to replace them or will there be a lot of problems?

Answer
Dan,

People who have resorption of one tooth are more susceptible to developing resorption on others.  There is no way to know how many teeth will be ultimately affected.  If these teeth are lost, there are a number of possible ways to replace them.  The plusses and minuses of each treatment alternative is dependent on many factors.  These include the health, position, and number of remaining teeth, the bite, the presence of oral habits like clenching or grinding, esthetic concerns, etc.  Your dentist is in the best position to guide you.

Best wishes,

Steve