While it is normal and exciting for a child to experience a loose tooth, it can be quite concerning to discover that a permanent adult tooth is loose or has fallen out. The good news is there are many different options available to replace your tooth and restore your smile. At Stonegate Dental we offer a wide variety of services and procedures that can help preserve your natural teeth and replace teeth that have become loose or lost over time. Helping you to achieve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile is our top priority at our Guelph dentists office!
What are the symptoms of a loose permanent tooth?
If a permanent tooth becomes loose as an adult, you may experience other symptoms such as:
- Gum recession
- Swollen, red gums
- Bleeding gums
These symptoms (in addition to a loose tooth) could be a sign of an underlying issue or that gum disease is present. It is very important to talk to your dentist as soon as possible about a loose tooth. Your dentist will need to determine the cause of the loose or lost tooth in order to determine the best course of treatment.
What causes permanent teeth to become loose or lost?
There is always a reason or cause for a permanent tooth to become loose. You may first suspect a tooth is loose when you are brushing or flossing. Alternatively, your dentist may notice a tooth is loose during a routine dental checkup and cleaning. However you discover a tooth is loose, there are several things that could cause this to happen.
In some instances, a tooth becomes loose as a result of advanced gum disease. This occurs when a bacterial infection affects your tissue, gums and in extreme cases, the surrounding bones. Gum disease is usually caused by poor dental hygiene. When teeth aren’t cleaned regularly or properly, tartar builds up into the space beneath your gums. This can be treated with regular cleanings and proper dental hygiene. If it is left untreated, gum disease will worsen and can lead to the deterioration of bones, which causes the teeth to lose the support they need to stay in place. Initial symptoms of gum disease include red painful gum that may bleed. Your dentist will easily identify gum disease and advise you on the best course of treatment to hopefully reverse the disease.
Other things that could cause an adult to become loose include:
- Teeth grinding
- Injury or trauma to the mouth
What should I do if one of my permanent teeth feels loose?
If you suspect one of your permanent teeth is loose you should contact your dentist right away. Your dentist will determine the cause and then advise you on a course of treatment. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the outcome will be.
What treatments options are available for loose or lost permanent teeth?
If your dentist determines that the loose tooth is caused by gum disease, you will need a special dental cleaning to remove any hardened plaque or tartar that may have built up underneath your gums and teeth. This procedure is called scaling and root planing. Your dentist may also prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear up any infection that may be present.
In cases of severe gum disease, surgery may be the best option to prevent tooth loss. Your dentist will discuss all treatment options with you thoroughly before you make any decisions about a treatment plan.
In cases of significant looseness, your dentist might recommend that the tooth be removed and replaced with a bridge or dental implant.
How can I prevent my teeth from becoming loose or lost?
A loose tooth can worsen over time and eventually become completely separated from the gums and bone. This is usually caused by severe teeth grinding or advanced gum disease. Early identification and treatment of gum disease can drastically improve the health of your teeth, gums and bones. It promotes healing, strengthens your teeth and can also prevent and even reverse loose teeth.
A loose tooth caused by trauma likely cannot be prevented, however the use of a mouthguard when engaging in sports where injury could occur can go a long way in prevention. Practicing excellent oral hygiene can also prevent loose teeth caused by gum disease. Brushing twice daily, flossing once a day and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings are the best things one can do to maintain a healthy mouth and smile and prevent teeth from coming loose down the road.
If you have any concerns about your gums and teeth or want to know more about the services and treatments we offer, call us at our Guelph Dentists office today! Our experienced dental professionals will be more than happy to help meet all of your dental needs and help you on the road to a beautiful healthy smile!
