Teeth - root resorption

[Morganz]

Hi! I was diagnosed with limited scleroderma approx 4 years ago. Prior to this, my dentist had noticed from X-rays that the roots of a back tooth had completely disappeared over a period of a few months. I subsequently had an implant to replace the tooth and have had a number of them since though these were not for the same reason. My current dentist has just noticed that this has now happened with another tooth. Both dentists said they have never seen this happen before! Have done a bit of research online and found a couple of articles which say that this is sometimes found in scleroderma patients. So on that basis, has anyone else out there had this?

Thank you !

[Mylrea]

I am not sure that the roots disappeared but I had to have all my teeth out in the bottom within a matter of months. My top ones had already gone 2 years previous. In fact after 3 years I still have a spot on the gums where it is really tender and quite sore to brush and clean around. I really should get it xrayed I guess. Bottom false teeth are really tricky to keep in so hang onto yours as long as you can. Top ones are easier. Not sure this has helped you but I know it is connected to the scleroderma.

[Morganz in reply to Mylrea]

Hi Mylrea..thanks for taking the trouble to reply. Am very interested in what you have to say .....you seem to have suffered a lot. My issue isn’t causing me too much angst at the moment but am rather concerned for the future! I’m due to see the dentist tomorrow and will suggest this could be scleroderma related. Best wishes.

[birdieca]

I have had a resorbed tooth and my dentist immediately called in all the hygenists as they rarely see this. We had a dentist speak at a support meeting and when we asked the support members, 20-25% had experienced a tooth resorption. This is well above average.

[Morganz in reply to birdieca]

Thank you- that is really useful information!

[lifeforce]

Hello, just had a teeth cleaning and per my xrays I have a tooth doing the same, big change on xrays from last year.

[Morganz in reply to lifeforce]

Thanks- I am surprised that I haven’t heard about the link between resorption and scleroderma before now. Another of life’s little surprises!

[CuteOneUK]

I am not sure if it is because of Scleroderma but all my teeth are wobbly...I need to go to the dentist but really scared as i know all my teeth are going to be pulled out...Also i have lost a few at the sides :0(

[SarahJane926]

Hi Morganz

I work in a dentist and yes, immune diseases do affect oral health unfortunately and also certain medications trigger problems too. Since my diagnosis I sometimes suffer inflammation to my gums which is intermittent. The only advice is to be impeccable with your cleaning at home and visit your dentist regularly. I hope this isn't something that will impact more of your teeth, best wishes x

[Morganz in reply to SarahJane926]

Thank you- I Really appreciate you taking the time to answer! X

[tall-tim]

I have just read a paper which explains the range of dental difficulties people with Scleroderma are likely to suffer - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[Morganz in reply to tall-tim]

That’s really interesting thanks, and much more accessible to us non-dental professionals than some of the papers I have read!

[kimmo]

Hello. I've just read your post and the replies you've received. I have diffused scleroderma and have, over the last couple of years, begun to suffer greatly with my teeth. I have lost most of my back teeth due to my gums moving away from my teeth, the roots were ok, and in turn some of the teeth split causing abscesses. The remainder of my teeth are loose but because my roots are very long they are literally 'hanging' in there! I have attended the specialist dental hospital and was told this is linked to scleroderma. I also suffer from Sjogrens syndrome which also contributes to dental problems. The other symptom linked to scleroderma is 'microstomia', small mouth, which makes dental treatment very difficult for me. I have found in my dental practice it is hit and miss whether the dentist you see has even heard of scleroderma, so I wish you luck with your future dental treatment and hope this info might help you!

Take care,

Kim

[Morganz in reply to kimmo]

Hi Kim -Thank you for your reply. My dentist, contrary to some of those you see, thinks he knows loads about scleroderma, although when he first noticed the disappearing roots said he’d never seen anything like it in 20 years......and didn’t mention scleroderma could be the cause at all! Anyway he’s now referred me to the hospital so will see what happens then. Best wishes