Loss of teeth can be distressing and uncomfortable, leading to anxiety about whether a tooth will fall out entirely. Luckily, there are ways a dentist can tighten a loose tooth and prevent its eventual fallout completely.
Loose teeth may result from various causes, with gum disease being one of the primary culprits. When gum tissue that surrounds a tooth becomes infected by bacteria, supporting bone can deteriorate, leading to a tooth’s eventual dislodging resulting in looseness. Other reasons can include trauma or injury to the mouth that damages ligaments that hold teeth in place and results in them loosening over time.
If one or more of your teeth appears loose or is wobbling, it is essential that you seek dental assistance immediately. Consulting with a professional will allow them to identify the source of the issue and suggest suitable treatments that could save your tooth from further harm.
One of the most sought-after treatments for loose teeth is splinting. This involves attaching it to adjacent teeth using wire or plastic composite material, thus giving support and stability while healing begins in its surrounding tissues, helping prevent further damage to the surrounding tissues.
Scaling and root planning offer another effective solution, providing deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline to promote healing and prevent further damage to teeth, potentially saving them from further decay.
However, if a tooth is beyond repair, your dentist may recommend extraction to protect you against infections or complications that could compromise your overall oral health.
Your oral health is vital, so don't delay seeking assistance when experiencing a loose tooth. Prompt treatment and care may save your natural smile by keeping the damage minimalized and saving the natural structure of the tooth from further wear-and-tear damage. If you have any dental concerns, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to address them.
Here are steps you should follow if yours falls out:
Recover the tooth by holding it by its crown (the part visible in your mouth) without touching its root.
Ideally, use milk or saliva to thoroughly clean a tooth that has become stained; avoid water, as this could compromise root cells and diminish the chances of successful reimplantation.
Reinserting the tooth into its socket requires holding onto its crown and gently pushing it back into place—being sure not to apply too much pressure!
If the tooth cannot be reinserted, place it between your cheek and gum, or store it in a container of milk or saline solution to avoid leaving it exposed in water or drying out completely.
Do not delay in seeking dental treatment; contact a dentist or emergency dental clinic immediately for treatment. The sooner you start, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.
While traveling to your dentist, take care to keep the tooth moist by placing it in a milk or saliva container or holding it between your cheek and gums.
Follow your dentist’s instructions. Your dentist will examine the tooth in question and recommend the most effective course of action, which could range from splinting it together with adjacent ones, performing root canal treatment, or extracting it altogether.
Time is of the utmost importance when dealing with lost teeth. Seek dental treatment promptly to increase your chances of saving the lost tooth and maintaining oral health.