Permanent Tooth feels loose
Remember when your were so anxious to lose that baby tooth, that you were willing to tie some floss around it and shut a door? That same feeling certainly is not present when you begin to notice looseness in your permanent teeth. No one is jumping with anticipation to lose a tooth that is supposed to last the rest of their lives.
However, our teeth are typically not so permanent throughout our lives these days. Many face tooth loss or tooth loosening throughout their lives, and we are living longer than any generation before us. Tooth replacement options are plentiful, and there are still many options to help repair teeth which are become loose or decaying.
What causes Permanent Teeth looseness?
Many causes can be linked back to hygiene deficiencies. If degrading bits of foodstuffs buildup on or between your teeth, they can harden and form plaque or tartar. As those clumps of bacteria and degrading materials make their way into the gumline, they can fester and cause disease and infection. Over time this can cause damage to the roots of teeth, or the fibrous tissue that withholds the teeth in place.
How do Dentist treat loose permanent teeth?
Treatment options begin with detailed cleaning efforts. Plaque and tartar removal will help to lessen the damage, but also reveal where damage is occurring. The cleaning will often remove and reveal the sources of infection and disease, which the dentist can then treat.
- To repair damage to the root of the teeth, your dentist may recommend grafting of tissue or jaw bone. This will help to provide structure to the area where the tooth originally loosened. This process should have immediate effects, but will take several weeks to recover and osseointegrate.
- To help secure the tooth, the dentist may bridge or splint the tooth that is loose to other teeth that are securely fixed in place. This process should have immediate effects and last a couple weeks.
- Mouthguards may be recommended to protect loose teeth from the chewing and grinding force of your jaw and other teeth. Your dentist will provide you with recommended times to wear your guard, particularly at night. You will also want to wear them during strenuous activity, anytime you notice you are grinding your teeth, and definitely during any sports activities.
- Tooth replacement or removal may be an option to address deep seated damages to the structure of your jaw or mouth. Teeth replacement is a very viable option, and there are various materials and procedures to replace missing teeth available. Replacement options can take one day, or a year to recover. Discuss options with your dentist at your next appointment.
Make an Appointment with your Dental Care team Immediately
Prepare questions and concerns to discuss regarding your teeth health and any looseness. Try to practice immaculate hygiene prior to your visit, and act quickly. The decision to go in to your dentist could be the deciding factor between teeth looseness and tooth loss.