Internal resorption is when the living cells inside a tooth attack the inside of the tooth and eat away the inside lining of that tooth. Every tooth has a hollow area that contains the tooth's nerve and blood vessels. The hollow inside of a tooth crown is the pulp chamber and the part inside the root is the root canal. These contents are removed when root canal therapy is done. This problem commonly begins at the top of a root canal but can be seen in the pulp chamber and spreads.

          Internal resorption is usually painless and progresses slowly. It is often found after dental x-rays are taken but when all of a tooth is eaten away, a patient may shatter the tooth before the problem is found. If it is found early, the cells inside the tooth suffering can be removed with root canal therapy before causing more damage.

          We do not know exactly why the cells attack their own tooth but internal resorption can be associated with a number of things. A history of trauma is most common. The insult could be from a blow or tooth decay. Sometimes an unfinished root canal leaves some living cells that go wild and turn on their own tooth. A tooth can crack from biting something hard and the irritation can slowly kill the tooth and damage the cells.

          Internal resorption is rare since our bodies do not usually turn against themselves. Regular dental care along with necessary dental x-rays are important in finding and preventing damage. A full x-ray review should be done every three years. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. If you are having dental problems and would like to consult with our senior Georgia Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, please call and make an appointment at 404-874-7428.