Loose teeth can be caused by trauma to the mouth, tooth decay, or periodontal disease. The type of treatment a same day dentist can provide depends on the cause of the problem.
Patients are advised to seek help for loose teeth within 12 to 24 hours of noticing the issue. The earlier treatment is provided, the better chance there is for the dentist to save the tooth. Additionally, the dentist can reduce pain and discomfort in the mouth.
Periodontal disease is a common cause of tooth loss. When periodontal disease becomes severe, the gum can become slack, revealing the root. The root may become damaged and loose and then fall out.
Trauma to the mouth, such as falls, automobile crashes, impact injuries, and sports injuries, can cause loose teeth. Repeated clenching or grinding may also cause them to become unsteady. Finally, untreated decay can erode the gums and tooth roots, leading to loose teeth.
If you cannot see a same day dentist right away, avoid touching or wiggling your loose tooth with your fingers or tongue. Do not try to straighten, pull, or splint it yourself. Avoid consuming sticky, hard, or chewy foods. Keep your mouth clean, but avoid brushing or flossing. You can clean your mouth by swishing warm water. If your loose tooth was caused by trauma, you may need to visit an emergency room; however, you will still need to see a dentist, since most urgent care centers do not have the equipment or training to treat problems in the mouth.
A same day dentist can treat teeth that are loose due to an impact injury or grinding with a dental splint. These are attached to the teeth next to the loose tooth and hold it in place until the root heals. This could prevent the need for extraction, though severely damaged areas might not be able to be saved. The dentist may advise patients to use a mouthguard after healing is complete, particularly if the patients participate in sports or have issues with grinding their teeth.
Teeth that are loose due to periodontal disease can be treated with a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar and reduce gum inflammation. Gum surgery or other treatments, such as root planing or antibiotics, may be required for patients with severe periodontitis.
In some cases, even with prompt treatment, a loose tooth is irreparable. This means the tissues have already died or will continue to do so, or the risk for serious infection is just too great. If the natural tooth is too damaged to save, the dentist may need to extract it.
Tooth extraction is only the first step in this type of scenario. Once a permanent tooth is removed or lost, it should be replaced as soon as possible. Gaps from a lost tooth can lead to a host of serious issues, including:
Depending on the nature of the underlying cause, the patient may need to wait a few weeks for the surrounding tissues to heal before continuing with treatment.
Patients who have a tooth removed can replace it with a variety of options. A partial denture is considered minimally invasive. It is completely removable and may require frequent adjustment and replacement. While anyone can choose this route, it is often recommended for younger children or senior adults who cannot tolerate invasive dental work.
Dental bridges are another common option that provides improved stability and appearance by anchoring a prosthetic tooth between adjacent natural teeth. This is done through a process similar to receiving dental crowns. The teeth next to the gap are ground down, shaped, and fitted for crowns that hold the bridge in place.
Implants with crowns are a popular alternative that provides permanent, natural-looking results. They also help stimulate the gums and bone tissues to help maintain better oral health overall. However, the procedure requires surgery and months of healing from start to finish.
Untreated loose teeth can become worse, resulting in tooth loss. A same day dentist can provide treatments that may prevent the need for extraction. Seeking help as soon as possible gives patients the best chance of avoiding tooth loss.
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