The Dentists' Guide to Treating Loose Teeth from Gum Disease: Tips for Restoring Your Patients' Oral Health
Jan 26, 2023
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Having a loose tooth can be an annoying and even painful experience, especially when it's caused by gum disease. Fortunately, treatments available today can help patients restore their oral health, but how do dentists choose which one is right for them?This blog post will provide insight into the best ways dentists can effectively treat their patients' lose teeth resulting from periodontal diseases to fully restore oral functioning and give individuals back their smiles again.
What is a Loose Tooth, and Why Does it Happen in Adults?
A tooth is considered loose when it begins to come out of its socket in the jawbone. This most commonly happens in children between the ages of five and twelve, when permanent adult teeth replace their baby teeth. Loose teeth can also be part of the natural aging process as adult teeth loosen. It's important to note that although losing a baby tooth early due to a loose one isn't necessarily bad for your health, it's still important to visit your dentist if it does happen so they can monitor the development of your new adult teeth.
When a tooth becomes loose, it's usually because the periodontal ligament that anchors it in place has been weakened or damaged due to gum disease, trauma, or certain medications like chemotherapy drugs and steroids. In some cases, an infection or tumor may cause a tooth to become loose. No matter what the cause may be, if you have a loose tooth, it's best to see your dentist immediately since they will diagnose the underlying cause and recommend treatment options such as antibiotics or root canal therapy.
It's important not to try and force a loose tooth out on your own, as this could damage the surrounding tissue and bone, leading to increased pain and even further complications with healing. Instead, you should contact your dental professional, who may suggest gently wiggling your tooth with clean fingers several times a day until it comes out on its own. If this doesn't work, they may use special tools such as forceps or special dental lasers, depending on your problem.
Regardless of how long it takes for a loose tooth to fall out naturally, you should always make sure that you brush and floss regularly around the affected area, regardless of whether or not it hurts, as this will help keep any remaining bacteria from worsening any existing gum disease or infection that caused your tooth to become loose in the first place.
Causes of Loose Teeth and Gum Disease
Loose teeth and gum disease are two of the most common dental issues people face. Loose teeth can be caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, injury to the mouth or jaw, grinding teeth, using tobacco products, advanced age, and certain medical conditions.
Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of loose teeth. When plaque and bacteria are not removed from the mouth through brushing and flossing regularly, it can lead to an infection in the gums called gingivitis. Gingivitis can cause inflammation, weakening the ligaments that hold the teeth in place.
Periodontal disease
Another common cause of loose teeth is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Periodontal disease is an infection in the gums caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria below the gum line. If left untreated, this infection can spread to deeper tissue levels around each tooth and destroy these tissues, causing pockets between the tooth and gum line to form.
These pockets allow for bacteria to further enter into deeper layers of tissue or bone, which can result in loose or shifting teeth if not treated promptly. Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco use is a significant risk factor for developing the periodontal disease due to its effect on reducing blood flow to these areas, leading to greater tissue destruction around each tooth.
Aging
Additionally, advanced age naturally results in bone density loss over time, weakening the structures around each tooth that help keep them firmly in place.
If you are experiencing any signs of loose teeth, such as shifting or movement inside your mouth when biting down on food or anything else, it's important that you visit your dentist right away for an evaluation and treatment plan if necessary. Early diagnosis is key to treating both loose teeth and gum disease.
Treatment Options for Loose Teeth Resulting from Periodontal Disease
The treatment of loose teeth resulting from periodontal disease depends on the severity of the disease. In mild cases, dental cleaning and regular brushing can help prevent gum recession, which leads to loose teeth. Other treatment options include;
Scaling and root planing
A periodontist may suggest scaling and root planning in fixing loose teeth from gum disease that has already caused damage. This procedure involves a deep cleaning to remove bacteria and tartar buildup below the gumline. The roots of the teeth are then smoothed, allowing for proper attachment of the gums and improved healing. In cases where the infection is too severe, surgery may be recommended to remove pockets of gum tissue that have become infected.
Surgical options
Additionally, surgical options may be required if bone grafts are needed in order to rebuild supporting structures around the affected teeth. But if all else fails, tooth extraction may be necessary for the patient's health to be restored and maintained. It is important to note that even with treatment options available, it is still possible for a person's teeth to become permanently loose due to periodontal disease. Therefore, it is essential that people seek professional dental care as soon as they notice symptoms of periodontal disease to prevent further damage from occurring.
Dental splinting
Dental splinting involves attaching a strong metal wire to the loose tooth and applying pressure in order to stabilize it. This method is often used for milder cases and can be done quickly in a single visit. For more severe cases, an implant may be necessary to support the tooth while also providing stability and strength. A root canal procedure may also be used if the tooth needs further reinforcement or if it has become infected due to decay. In either case, these treatments can help restore oral functioning by stabilizing the loose tooth and allowing for proper biting surfaces for chewing food or speaking clearly.
Key Takeaway
Overall, when it comes to restoring oral function through effective treatment of loose teeth, there are many options available depending on the severity of the problem and individual circumstances. From using dental splints or implants to orthodontic care like braces or aligners, treating loose teeth correctly can ensure that your smile remains healthy and functional for years to come!
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