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.
Dr. Graves Dentistry Goes Global
After 30 years, Cynthia Graves, DDS has a storied history with her profession. The most recent of which was her dental mission trip to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Rather than soaking up the sun or scuba-diving, one of her favorite pastimes, Dr. Graves was providing her dental expertise to underprivileged people on the island.
The Dominican Republic is known for lush beaches and beautiful weather. But what is often forgotten is that one third of their population lives in poverty and cannot afford basic dental care. As a dedicated member of the International Dental Implant Association, Dr. Graves felt this was an opportunity to serve people with her talents.
International Dental Implants Association
IDIA, International Dental Implants Association, has been organizing trips for just under a decade, and has a global mission to provide advanced dental care to people unable to afford it themselves. The vision for this organization was for economic empowerment in these impoverished areas. Dr. Arun Garg created the IDIA to provide training alongside the dental procedures in these underserved communities. While the organization started small, it now boasts almost 3000 members globally, including Dr. Graves.
On average, each trip will provide dental and facial surgery for 500 implants, 45 complex sinus lifts, 10 ridge splits and 5 crestal sinus lifts. A team of 30 doctors will perform around $2 million worth of dental care.
This trip involved a team of 25 dental surgeons, all associated with IDIA. Dr. Graves herself provided almost $200,000 worth of dental implants in the space of 3 days. Putting over 30 hours of time towards the effort earned Dr. Graves a prestigious IDIA commendation. And almost 300 patients benefitted from her and her associates’ work.m
Overcoming Challenges
The International Dental Implant Association has pioneered the world’s most successful live patient educational programs. For many dentists it can be a struggle to balance teaching and treatment. But this is not so for Dr. Graves. She spoke of the experience excitedly. Being able to teach while also practicing dentistry is something she incorporates into her work in Texas, “It’s second nature for me, teaching and tending to others go hand-in-hand,” said Dr. Graves.
The most challenging aspect was the work schedule and using unfamiliar equipment. At the clinic, a 10+ workday was standard and she only had the tools provided. Often these were unfamiliar or antiquated. Here in Austin, Dr. Graves uses guided dental implants to create perfect smiles. Luckily, her decades of dental experience meant she never felt unprepared.
Looking Forward
Dr. Graves celebrated Labor Day by doing the work she loves. She feels confident that she’ll return to the Dominican Republic, though perhaps as a tourist in the future. For now she’s happy to return to work in Austin, as there’s plenty of adventure to be found at home.
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