Can a Loose Tooth Fix Itself?
Children naturally lose their teeth as they grow older. It can be quite alarming, however to experience loose teeth as an adult. Any time a patient has loose teeth, it is important to act quickly. It can be normal for the teeth to be slightly wiggly as the periodontal ligament fibers allow for some movement. The movement should be under 1 millimeter. The periodontal ligament fibers wrap around the root of the tooth, making it perfectly normal to experience some slight movement. It is important to promptly treat loose teeth as the issue will not likely be resolved on its own.
Patients with loose teeth should reach out to their dentist immediately. Any significant movement of the teeth suggests the issue is an emergency. Dentists often allow for room in their schedule to accommodate they types of urgent and unexpected appointments. Dentists may have extended hours on some evenings or have availability on the weekends to see a patient in the event of an emergency. An emergency visit may help avoid an extraction.
Loose teeth are extremely concerning for adults. The most common causes for loose teeth includes trauma and gum disease. Additional details regarding common causes and treatments for loose teeth are provided below.
Trauma
Patients often experience loose teeth following an accident or injury to the mouth. This is especially common for patients who play contact sports. In order to preserve the tooth after any type of trauma, the patient should visit the dentist immediately. Splinting or bonding is common treatment to allow the teeth time to heal. Splints are often temporary and removed after a few weeks.
When a tooth is just slightly loose, it is possible that it will heal on its own. Dentists may encourage patients avoid using the loose tooth in order to give it the opportunity to heal. Patients may also need to avoid consuming certain foods and drinks during the healing period. Slightly loose teeth can often heal on their own without treatment. Always follow up with your dentist to determine the treatment plan.
A common question patients have regarding loose teeth is the expected time it will take to heal. The estimated healing time will certainly vary for each patient, however most teeth are able to heal within a few weeks. Ensure the teeth are properly cared for during the healing process and to avoid unnecessary use of the loose tooth. If the tooth becomes worse or the symptoms change, patients should reach out to their dentist right away. In order to ensure the best possible outcome and preserve the tooth, it is critical to act quickly.
Gum Disease
Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease. Severe cases of gum disease can result in damage to the bones that support the teeth. When gum disease is not treated, it can result in the loss of teeth. Gum disease treatment often includes a deep cleaning, improved oral hygiene practices, education, and additional professional cleanings.
Gum disease impacts millions of people throughout the U.S. annually. A dentist needs to examine the patient’s teeth in order to determine if gum disease is present. A variety of treatments are available to aid in healing the gums and restoring the teeth. Loose teeth can fortunately often be preserved.
Patients should take their loose teeth seriously as they may suggest the presence of a serious issue which requires treatment. Schedule an appointment with a dentist right away if you have loose teeth. The dentist can help identify the cause for the issue and develop a treatment plan.