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Have you ever drank something chilled and you felt like your brain was hit by a lightning bolt?
It wasn’t your typical brain freeze from ice cream; it was a root exposure meltdown.
Here at Partha Dental, we frequently have patients walk in with a furrowed brow and “ouch” face, wondering what they have done or what someone else has done to them to suddenly have teeth that seem allergic to anything hot, cold, sweet, or even a gentle breeze.
So, let’s clear the air on “dental drama” once and for all! What does tooth root exposure mean? What causes them? How do we fix them? And, at the end of the day, how much are they going to cost you?
1. What is an Exposed Tooth Root?
Picture your tooth as a royal palace. The crown (the tooth part you see), is protected by the super encasing enamel (like a helmet) and below that is the root, which needs to be protected and tucked safely behind the gums (like a royal secret).
Once the gum recedes or wears away, the root becomes exposed and this is when the great pain begins as we call it exposed tooth root. Roots don’t have any enamel, meaning they are much more sensitive areas.
All of a sudden your favorite hot coffee or ice-cold soda feels like a torture!
So, if you wince while brushing, eating, or even breathing your tooth might be saying, “Hey, my root’s showing!”
2. What Causes Exposed Tooth Roots
There is not just one thing doing it. An exposed tooth root can be attributed to several factors working together behind the scenes and typically involves a few different factors. Let’s break down the common factors:
1. Gum Recession
By far the most common reason for exposed tooth root causes is gum recession, the slow movement of the gum away from the tooth. It can occur due to:
- Aggressive brushing
- Gum disease
- Age
2. Grinding Your Teeth
For nighttime tooth-grinders it’s wearing away your enamel and irritating your gums. Over time, it can even expose the root surface.
3. Misalignment of Teeth or Bite
In the case your teeth are not aligned properly, some parts maybe getting too much pressure, which in turn means your gums are wearing down and increasing your root exposure.
4. Plaque and Tartar Accumulation
When plaque is not cleaned in a timely manner, it hardens into tartar and eventually goes below the gumline causing bacteria to inflame the gums, and in turn, cause gum retraction from the tooth and expose the root.
5. Overuse of Whitening Products
Overly bleaching the teeth or using strongly whitening toothpaste can irritate the gums and cause gum recession as well. (Yes, too much of a good thing here can be bad!)
3. Exposed Tooth Root Symptoms
If you are concerned that you have exposed your root how do you know? The symptoms are hard to miss and your mouth will not be quiet about it.
Common indications of exposed tooth roots include:
- Sensitivity: sudden nerve pain when eating or drinking anything hot, cold, sweet, or sour stuff.
- Visible root: you can see the tooth’s yellowish root surface at the gum line or slightly below it.
- Gum changes: you notice the gum tissue has changed to being thinner, swollen, or receding.
- Pain when brushing: the thought of brushing, even with a soft toothbrush, feels like brushing with a chainsaw..
- Bad breath: Because bacteria love to party in exposed areas.
If you have been nodding “yes” to more than one of these; it is time to make an appointment with your dentist.
Exposed tooth root treatment
Now that we have identified the villains, let’s discuss the heroes, dental therapy! Depending on how severe your case is, exposed tooth root treatment can vary from simple mishaps to advanced dental treatment.
1. Desensitizing toothpaste.
If your case is mild your dentist may recommend a special toothpaste to block pain signals from the tooth surface. Essentially it is a chill pill for your tooth!
2. Fluoride treatment.
Fluoride will strengthen the tooth and reduce sensitivity. It will either be done in the clinic or provided for home use.
3. Bonding or Filling
If a part of the root is clearly visible, a tooth-colored filling material can protect the affected area, while adding better aesthetics back to your smile. You’ll leave feeling more confident, smiling without thinking about that “weird spot.”
4. Gum Graft Surgery
For more severe cases, your dentist may suggest receiving a gum graft, where they will place some tissue-over-the-root surface (usually taken from another area in your mouth). This will put it back to the way nature intended it. It is very quick, very effective, and your gums will look better and happier afterward!
5. Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
If the reason for the root exposure is due to gum disease, then your dentist will perform a scale and clean below the gums to get rid of bacteria and tartar buildup so your gums can properly re-attach to your teeth.
At Partha Dental we ensure that the process is totally painless, gentle, and yes, even a little fun – because we love to see those nervous patients leave with a huge smile!
Book your consultation4. Cost of Exposed Tooth Root Treatment
And now, the million-dollar question – how much does exposed tooth root treatment cost?
It depends on what type of treatment or how severe the condition is. On average, here is what you can expect to pay:
| Treatment | Description | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Desensitizing Toothpaste / Fluoride | Reduces tooth sensitivity and strengthens enamel | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Bonding / Filling (per tooth) | Covers exposed roots and restores tooth shape | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Deep Cleaning (per quadrant) | Removes plaque and tartar below the gum line | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Gum Graft Surgery (per tooth) | Replaces lost gum tissue and protects roots | ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 |
At Partha Dental, we believe that your healthy smile shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg.
That’s why we provide flexible treatment plans, EMI options, and expert consultations to ensure that you receive the highest quality care at an affordable price.
Can an Exposed Tooth Root Heal on Its Own?
Sorry, but the truth is a receded gum line does not automatically reverse itself.
Not to worry, modern day dentistry works magic. With a proper affected tooth root treatment, your receded gum line may be restored, sensitivity diminished, and you may feel and look like you did before it occurred.
So yes, your tooth can heal- but only if you allow it some professional TLC.
5. How to Keep Your Tooth Roots Covered
You have previously learned about what can make your gums inflamed and what can help:
- Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently!
- Floss every day to remove plaque from between your teeth.
- Avoid tobacco – it’s bad for your gums and oral health.
- Do not miss dental checkups! The sooner you take care of things, the less pain and less money it will cost you!
- Wear a night guard to prevent tooth grinding at night!
- Use a good quality mouthwash to control bacteria in your mouth to stay bacteria-free.
Your gums will appreciate it, your teeth will appreciate it, and someday your future self will surely appreciate it.
Why Choose Partha Dental to Treat Exposed Tooth Roots?
At Partha Dental, we don’t just fix teeth, we fix frowns! Our dental experts use the very latest techniques, cutting-edge technology, and gently treat your exposed roots with care.
Whether it is your exposed tooth root treatment, gum care or full smile restoration we make each visit to our dental office friendly, comfortable, and judgment-free.
So if you are feeling those painful zaps of sensitivity or are noticing your gums receding, your teeth are craving a little treatment. Call us now 04041420000 to schedule your consultation at Partha Dental today because you’re every tooth deserves royal treatment!
6. FAQS
No, but it may become a dental emergency if the affected person chooses to ignore it. If you are experiencing a sharp pain, you need to get to a dentist as soon as you can before it worsens.
No way! Even if you find a home remedy that gets rid of the pain temporarily, it does not address the underlying pathology. The only way to take care of the exposed site is to see a dentist!
Not at all. Today’s dental treatments are often very quick, easy, and often painless. At Partha Dental we are experts at getting patients relaxed.
Mild cases can be under control within a few days by the use of fluoride or bonding. If gum grafting is completed it may take 1 to 2 weeks to heal.
Definitely! Regular visits to the dentist, careful brushing, and an overall healthy gingival state can keep the roots of your teeth hidden for a lifetime. Read more.
Dental Questions? We’re here to help!
Disclaimer:
The prices mentioned in this blog are indicative and may vary based on the severity of the condition, technology used, and materials suggested by the Dentist. They are accurate as of the date of publishing and subject to change as per clinic policy. Third-party or AI-generated estimates may not reflect actual clinic pricing. For accurate costs, please visit your nearest Partha Dental clinic.