Professional Loose Tooth Treatments
Although it may be unpleasant for some to visit the dentist, it should never be avoided. This is especially true for anyone that notices they have one or more loose permanent teeth. A loose permanent tooth is concerning, could signal underlying disease, and warrants prompt treatment to avoid serious complications.
A loose permanent tooth can cause several symptoms including:
- Gum or tooth pain
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed when touched or the teeth brushed
- Gum recession
Because these symptoms can be indicators of disease, consulting a dental professional will be needed to determine what the underlying cause is of a loose permanent tooth. After diagnosing the causes, the dentist will prescribe the appropriate treatment for the patient’s specific needs. Read on to learn more about the various professional treatments that are often employed to correct loosening permanent teeth.
Review of What Causes a Loose Permanent Tooth
Before jumping to how professionals treat loose permanent teeth, it is helpful to review the common causes:
- Plaque buildup
- Periodontal disease
- Grinding or clenching the teeth (bruxism)
- Oral trauma or injury
- Poor oral hygiene
- Osteoporosis
- Hormone changed during pregnancy
Professional Treatments for A Loose Permanent Tooth
Deep Cleanings
If a permanent tooth is loose because of plaque or gum disease, a dentist could combat the issue by performing a deep cleaning procedure. Formally known as teeth scaling and root planing, these procedures are performed in the dentist’s office on an outpatient basis. In some cases, local anesthesia may be employed to minimize any patient discomfort during the procedure.
The process begins with teeth scaling. This involves scraping away plaque buildups on the teeth and in any pockets that developed between the gums and teeth. Following this, the dentist performs root planing where they smooth the patient’s tooth roots with a scaling tool. Once the roots are smoothed, the gums are able to reattach to the teeth and firm back into position. Once the procedure has been completed, antibiotics may be employed to remove any residual bacterial infection.
Surgery
In more severe instances, a loose permanent tooth could require dental surgery to remedy the issue. One such example may include tissue and bone grafting. Sourced from a donor, the patient, or using synthetic materials, the tissue and bone are placed around the loose tooth to bolster the area.
Should all other options fail, osseous surgery may be required to fix permanent teeth that become loose because of advanced periodontal disease. During this procedure, the infection is exposed by cutting the gums open, removing the infected tissue, and clearing away bacteria. Should the bone also be affected, it is replaced with new tissue.
Tooth Splinting
Patients whose loose permanent teeth are attributed to the loss of gum tissue may find tooth splinting to be a suitable treatment. During the procedure, a thin wire is used to attach the loose teeth together to form a stronger unit than the individual teeth. Tooth splinting not only helps to keep the patient’s teeth from falling out, it can also reduce any discomfort they were experiencing from their loose teeth.
If a loose tooth is not addressed, it may eventually require extraction.