What Is Root Resorption?

A strange phenomenon can happen to patients when tooth structure disappears without decay present. The roots of teeth are the most common area affected. The term resorption is used in such instances. There are two main types of resorption; internal and external. Because internal resorption occurs inside the teeth and external resorption happens mostly on roots, detection without radiographs (x-rays) is difficult. Surprisingly, the process often happens without pain, and most patients are unaware it is happening. The process can result in tooth loss, so early diagnosis and treatment are critical. This post will cover how tooth and root resorption are diagnosed and treated.

Can You Get A Pimple In Your Mouth?

In my daily practice, I often find infected teeth that the patient is entirely unaware of. Most often, I find asymptomatic infections on radiographs (x-rays). Sometimes, I can see what appears to be a pimple on the gums adjacent to the tooth, usually at the level of the root tip. The pimple is usually on the cheek side (buccal). However, they are occasionally found on the tongue side (known as the palatal on the upper and lingual on the lower). Technically a pimple around a tooth is known as a dentoalveolar fistula. I will talk about what they are, how they form, what to do if you have one, and how to prevent them.