Many people do not know that roots are not just for plants. You actually have roots within your body as well. Your hair has roots, and so do your teeth. People tend to forget that teeth have roots - until they see one. If you think you see a tooth root, here are your next steps.
What Do Tooth Roots Do?
Tooth roots are essential for the health of your tooth. Tooth roots connect your tooth to your jawbone. The roots are the lifeline for your teeth. They hold the blood supply through arteries, nerve endings, and soft tissue called the pulp. Without your tooth roots, your teeth would die and fall out.
What Do Tooth Roots Look Like?
Tooth roots are colored the same color as your natural teeth, which can make them difficult to spot. At first, you may think your teeth have suddenly gotten longer, but that does not happen. If your teeth appear longer or your gums appear smaller, you may be looking at a tooth root. In general, most of your teeth have a single tooth root, except for your molars, which have two because of their size and the amount of work they do in your mouth.
Why Do Tooth Roots Get Exposed?
Tooth roots become exposed in a couple of ways. Tooth roots can become exposed due to gum disease. Gum disease is an infection due to bacteria, and there are three stages to the disease. If you have Stage One or gingivitis, your gums can be cured. However, during Stages Two and Three, spaces can develop between your teeth and gums and expose your tooth roots. There is no cure for the later stages of gum disease, but if your gum disease is treated, it can be controlled.
Tooth roots can also become exposed due to mouth trauma. Often, if you loosen or knock out one of your permanent teeth, you may be able to see the tooth roots. If you happen to see a tooth root, you need to call our office as soon as possible because we need to get you in to see one of our dentists as soon as we can.
Dentist Natick, MA | Elite Dental of Natick Above all else, we here at Elite Dental of Natick want our dental patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Call us today to schedule an appointment! Elite Dental of Natick, 232 Pond St., Natick, MA 01760; (508) 319-9339; elitedentalofnatick.com; 1/18/2025; Related Terms: Dentist Natick MA;