Tooth resorption is when the body cells attack and destroy part of a tooth. External resorption is when the cells on the outside of a tooth attack the outside of the tooth. Internal resorption is when the cells inside a tooth attack the inside of the tooth. Internal and external resorption are exactly the same thing but are located in different areas. Regardless of where the damage is, it is not good.

         External tooth resorption is much worse and has a much poorer prognosis than internal tooth resorption. In most cases, a tooth with external resorption has to eventually be extracted. If found early, a tooth with internal resorption can be saved with root canal therapy.

         If the tooth resorption is limited to the root of a tooth, it can also be called root resorption. If the damage is from inside the root working its way out, it is called internal root resorption. Internal root resorption is often difficult to treat because it creates round hollow areas inside the root and root canal instruments are not designed to clean these areas out. If the damage started on the outside of the root and works its way inside the tooth root, it is called external root resorption. External root resorption can usually not be treated with the common result being the extraction of the involved tooth.

          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.