When we think about tooth problems, we often think about cavities or gum disease. However, teeth can also be affected by less common conditions such as internal resorption, where the inside of the tooth begins to break down.
Because internal resorption can progress without obvious symptoms, regular dental check-ups and X-rays are important for early detection.
What Is Internal Resorption?
Inside every tooth is the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Internal resorption occurs when specialised cells inside the tooth begin to break down the dentine, the hard layer surrounding the pulp.
As the process continues, the inside of the tooth can become weakened, creating a hollowed-out area within the tooth.
What Causes Internal Resorption?
The exact cause is not always clear, but it is often linked to inflammation or damage affecting the dental pulp.
Possible causes include:
- Trauma or injury to a tooth.
- Deep decay reaching the pulp.
- Cracks or damage to the tooth.
- Previous dental procedures.
- Long-standing irritation or inflammation inside the tooth.
In some cases, it develops without an obvious cause.
What Are the Symptoms?
Internal resorption is often painless and may only be discovered during a routine dental X-ray.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Tooth sensitivity or discomfort.
- A pink or reddish area visible on the tooth surface (sometimes called a “pink tooth”).
- Tooth discolouration.
- Swelling or a small gum lump near the affected tooth.
- Pain if the nerve becomes infected.
How Is Internal Resorption Diagnosed?
Your dentist may detect internal resorption through:
- A clinical examination.
- Dental X-rays showing a characteristic widening of the pulp space.
- 3D imaging (CBCT) in some cases to assess the extent of the damage.
Early diagnosis is important because treatment is more successful before the tooth becomes severely weakened.
How Is Internal Resorption Treated?
The main treatment is usually root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment removes the inflamed or damaged pulp tissue, stopping the cells responsible for the resorption process. The tooth is then cleaned, sealed, and restored to protect it from further damage.
If the resorption has caused severe weakening or the tooth cannot be restored, extraction may sometimes be required.
Can Internal Resorption Be Prevented?
Not all cases can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by:
- Treating tooth decay early.
- Seeking advice after dental trauma or injury.
- Attending regular dental examinations.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of deep decay.
The Bottom Line
Internal resorption is uncommon, but it can quietly weaken a tooth from the inside. Because it often has no warning signs, routine dental visits are essential for detecting problems early and protecting your natural teeth.
At Dural Dental Practice, we use careful examinations and dental imaging to identify hidden dental problems before they become more serious. If you have tooth sensitivity, discolouration, a history of trauma, or concerns about your teeth, our team is here to help keep your smile healthy.
