The exposed root of a tooth can be covered using a few different methods, primarily with a dental crown or a gingival mask.
Methods to Cover an Exposed Root
Here's a breakdown of the ways your dentist might approach covering an exposed tooth root:
Dental Crown
- Purpose: A dental crown is a cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, including the exposed root.
- How it works: The crown is custom-made to fit your tooth and is cemented in place.
- Benefit: It protects the tooth from further damage and can improve its appearance. As the reference states, "a crown may be able to cover the exposed root of your tooth."
Gingival Mask
- Purpose: A gingival mask is a removable artificial gum that can cover receding gums, and thus may hide exposed tooth roots in cases of gum recession.
- How it works: It is custom-made to fit over the teeth and gums and is removable for cleaning.
- Benefit: It improves the appearance of the gums and can reduce sensitivity caused by exposed roots. If you have "several teeth with gum recession, your dentist may recommend a gingival mask," as mentioned in the reference.
Choosing the Right Option
The best approach depends on several factors, including:
- The extent of the root exposure: For very minor cases, a gingival mask might be appropriate. If the exposure is more significant, a crown might be necessary.
- The condition of the tooth: If the tooth is damaged or has had a root canal, a crown might be the only appropriate way to protect the tooth from damage.
- The overall health of your gums: The dentist will consider the surrounding gum health when choosing a method.
| Method | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Crown | A cap that covers the entire tooth, including the exposed root | When the root exposure is significant and the tooth needs more protection |
| Gingival Mask | A removable artificial gum that covers receding gums | When the root exposure is due to gum recession |
Summary
In summary, a dental crown is used to completely cover and protect a tooth, including any exposed root. Alternatively, if the issue is related to receding gums, a removable gingival mask may be used to cover the exposed root.
