Learn about tooth root decay

Medical articles

Learn about tooth root decay

Medical articles

Reviewed by: Dr. Doaa Sami Al-Hassan is a general dentist

There are many causes of tooth root decay, but maintaining the health and safety of teeth from decay saves a person from going through a long journey of visits to dental clinics and severe pain that deprives him of sleep at night and concentration during the day. Decay usually begins when a person neglects to take care of the hygiene of his teeth, which leads to the accumulation of food remains on the enamel layer and forms a thin layer of plaque in which various types of bacteria grow that secrete acids, dissolve the tooth tissue and create cracks and holes in which the bacteria reside and are difficult to reach even if you try to clean them.

Causes of tooth root decay

There are many reasons that may lead to tooth root decay, such as the following:

Lack of attention to oral hygiene: Not paying attention to brushing or flossing the teeth every day may lead to tooth root decay.

Bad habits when brushing teeth: brushing teeth too vigorously or using a toothbrush with hard bristles.

Age: As people age, their gums often recede, exposing root surfaces and making them more vulnerable to infection.

Gum disease: This health problem increases the depth of the gum pockets and causes the soft tissue to recede, allowing plaque and bacteria to reach the roots of the teeth.

Genetic factors: Gum disease, age-related gum recession, and weak tooth enamel often run in families.

Diabetes: Diabetes may weaken the immune system and increase soft tissue inflammation, leading to more serious and difficult-to-treat gum disease.

Crooked teeth: Crooked teeth are difficult to clean completely and may increase the risk of gum disease.

Smoking: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or any type of tobacco use can damage teeth, weaken enamel, cause mouth problems, and increase the risk of gum disease.

Tooth decay from the side

The sides of the teeth are areas where food residue accumulates a lot, and it is also difficult for the toothbrush to reach them during the cleaning process. The only solution to clean them to avoid tooth decay from the side is to use dental floss and mouthwash.

It is difficult to see cavities between teeth with the naked eye, but regular examination helps to detect and treat them early before they worsen.

Treatment of tooth root decay

Tooth roots are more damaged by tooth decay because they contain less enamel than the crowns they support.

Root caries does not require treatments that restore the crown of the tooth, unlike other types of caries, such as: reconstruction or artificial crowns, because it often only affects the root of the tooth.

احجز استشارتك الأن فى Dental center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital

How to avoid root decay?

Be sure to follow the following tips to avoid injury:

Proper tooth brushing: Brushing your teeth after every meal, in addition to using dental floss, is necessary to prevent tooth decay, whether root tooth decay or any other type.

Use of mouthwash: It is also recommended to use fluoride mouthwash in your cleaning routine.

Regular examination: especially for older patients who suffer from gum disease problems or health conditions that directly affect the roots of the teeth.

Although dental care habits are learned from a very young age, reinforcing them is an everyday task.

Root canal treatment sessions

The dentist begins by examining and evaluating the affected area through X-rays.

The first thing to do is to remove any fillings or braces from the tooth to be treated.

After that, the decayed area is removed until the pulp is reached.

The pulp of the diseased tooth is then removed

Finally, the tooth's root canal is cleaned and sealed.

This procedure should be performed by specialists only.

How many sessions are required?

The root canal is located in the center of the tooth and is where the pulp is located.

Root canal treatment can be performed in one session.

Treatment of radiculitis after nerve extraction

When does radiculitis occur after nerve extraction?

The presence of an unclear crack in the root of the tooth

Contamination, infection, and bacteria multiplying in the place.

The presence of infected ducts that the doctor did not find or treat.

Loose closure of the root canal, allowing bacteria to enter again.

To treat radiculitis after pulling the nerve, complementary surgery can be performed to get rid of the cause of the inflammation, or the entire tooth can be extracted if treatment is not possible.

In conclusion, tooth root decay occurs for several reasons, the most important of which is not taking adequate care of the oral and dental health, which allows the activity of bacteria that ultimately leads to many problems, so be sure to follow a healthy regime that includes brushing your teeth, using floss, and visiting your doctor periodically.

Frequently asked questions

Can the tooth root be repaired?

When the decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, the doctor cleans the tooth and completely removes the area affected by the decay, all the way to the root canal, cleaning it as well and removing the nerve, then closes the affected root canal tightly.

What is the cause of tooth decay from the roots?

There are several reasons that can be summarized as follows:

Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing or flossing teeth daily.

Brush your teeth very vigorously or use a toothbrush with hard bristles.

Genetic factors: Gum disease, age-related gum recession, and weak tooth enamel often run in families.

Diabetes: Diabetes can weaken the immune system and increase soft tissue inflammation, leading to more serious and difficult-to-treat gum disease.

What covers the root of the tooth?

There are two layers to cover and protect the roots of the teeth: the hard outer layer, called the crown or tooth enamel, and then a less hard layer, which is the dentin layer.