Permanent Tooth Feels Loose
Once someone loses their primary (baby) teeth, their permanent teeth need to last for the rest of their life. With the amount of wear and tear the teeth must withstand on a daily basis, that can be a tall order. Even with the most thorough daily cleaning routine and maintaining regular checkups with a dentist, it is still possible for a permanent tooth to become loose.
If someone notices that one or more of their permanent adult teeth begins to loosen, it should not be ignored because it could be a sign that serious dental issues are present. Treatment should be sought as soon as possible because failure to act, could result in the loss of the affected teeth. Read on to learn more about loose permanent teeth and what should be done when it happens.
Why Do Permanent Teeth Sometimes Feel Loose?
There are several reasons that permanent teeth can feel loose, and the necessary treatment will vary based on the underlying cause. If an injury or accident causes a tooth to come loose, it could become dislodged from its root and need dental surgery to splint it back into position. After some time, the injury should heal, and the patient will be allowed to resume life as normal following recovery.
However, if a tooth starts to become loose with no obvious cause or injury, it could signal a deeper issue such as advanced periodontal disease. This is especially true if the loose tooth is accompanied by gum pain, constant bad breath, and a foul taste in the mouth.
How Long Will It Take for a Loose Tooth to Heal?
By not promptly treating a loose tooth, the situation will progress and get worse. As such, it is important to address a loose permanent tooth as quickly as possible. In more severe cases, the person could require more extensive treatment such as extraction and replacement of the affected tooth. Since only qualified dentists can diagnose what is causing a loose permanent tooth, it is advisable to seek treatment as soon as able
The timeline for recovery for loose permanent teeth varies based on the cause. Common treatments and their related recovery times include:
Tooth Splinting: With tooth splinting, the dentist will attach a splint or stabilizer to the surface of the affected tooth and connect or bind it to strong adjacent teeth. This helps the ligaments recover and strengthens the affected tooth. The process typically takes about three weeks to complete.
Night Guards: Night guards are often called for when loose teeth are attributed to grinding or clenching of the teeth. This repetitive behavior places excess force on the gums and teeth and can lead to loosening. Patients often see improvement after a few weeks of wearing a night guard.
Treating Gum Disease: In severe cases, removing any underlying periodontal disease that led to a loose tooth may be needed. This process is more involved, and requires deep cleanings to remove any infected tissue and bacteria from the gums and teeth. Because the treatment is more in-depth, recovery can be a month or longer.