Can a Dentist Save a Loose Tooth?
While loose teeth are nothing to be concerned about in children, having one as an adult can be considered a serious dental emergency. Loose teeth in adults can be caused by many different conditions.
You’ll certainly require emergency dentistry if you have a loose tooth, regardless of whether it was caused by an impact injury or by advanced decay. In most cases, emergency dentistry practices like Cynthia Graves, DDS can save your loose tooth if you seek immediate treatment.
Let’s discuss some of the causes of loose teeth now, and then we’ll consider the different treatments that Dr. Graves can provide to save your loose tooth.
Understanding the Primary Causes of Loose Teeth in Adults
Your teeth are quite delicate, and there are a number of reasons why one may become loose. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss among Americans. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the gum may pull away from the tooth, exposing the root and causing it to deteriorate, loosen, and eventually fall out completely.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Traumatic dental injuries can include accidental falls, injuries from contact sports or being struck by an object, or any number of other impact-related accidents. Trauma to the teeth and gums can loosen and dislodge a tooth, causing significant pain and bleeding.
- Tooth Decay: Severe and untreated tooth decay can affect the root of the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue, causing the tooth to loosen over time.
- Bruxism: Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a common condition. It usually causes damage to the molars and rear teeth, but issues can occur anywhere within the mouth. The repeated, unnatural strain of biting and grinding causes teeth to loosen in their sockets, and it can result in total tooth loss if left untreated.
Treating Loose Teeth
Depending on the cause of a loose tooth, the treatment methods used by Dr. Cynthia Graves may differ.
For loose teeth caused by traumatic injuries or bruxism, splinting is the most common procedure. Similar to braces, splints are temporary dental appliances that bond to the teeth surrounding your loose tooth. This will hold your tooth in place while it heals and bonds with the surrounding gum tissue, and it often results in a full recovery.
After recovery, a mouth guard is usually recommended both for athletes and for those who suffer from bruxism to protect the teeth from impact injuries and excessive grinding, respectively.
Loose teeth caused by tooth decay and periodontal disease are a bit more difficult to treat because the underlying disease must be removed before recovery can occur.
Typical treatment options for periodontal disease include deep cleaning to remove infected tissue, root planing to help minimize bacterial growth, and antibiotic treatments to reduce infection and inflammation. Severe periodontal disease may require bone grafts to clean the root’s fill pockets and reattach the tooth to the gums.
After the infection or tooth decay is controlled, loose teeth will usually reattach quickly. Dental splints may be used to ensure that the tooth is positioned correctly during reattachment.
Loose Tooth in Austin? See Dr. Cynthia Graves Today!
If you have a loose tooth, you need to see an emergency dentist right away. By seeking appropriate treatment, you can maximize your chances of saving your tooth and get your life back to normal as soon as possible.
Dr. Cynthia Graves is an expert in the treatment of loose teeth caused both by systemic disease and impact injuries.
With a focused, caring attitude and over three decades of experience, Dr. Graves is one of the best dentists in Austin!
So schedule your emergency appointment today by calling us at (512)-258-8001, or visit our office at 10418 Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX, 78750.