General dentistry practitioners know that loose teeth in youngsters are common and cause little worry since the problem is with the "baby teeth." If you have a loose tooth or one of your children has a loose adult tooth, you may need to visit the general dentistry office to save it. Continue reading to discover tips for handling and treating a loose tooth.
Loose adult teeth may be caused by many issues such as periodontal disease, teeth grinding (bruxism), or traumatic injuries such as those sustained in contact sports or from falls. Fortunately, if loose teeth are repaired early enough, saving them is possible. The following are helpful tips for treating a loose tooth:
Patients need to ensure a loose tooth that is still in its socket does not fall out. It is considerably more difficult to treat the tooth if it loosens too much or falls out completely. Until a dental appointment is possible, patients should avoid disturbing the tooth with the tongue, moving it with fingers, or eating items that may stick to the tooth and cause further loosening.
It might be difficult to clean a loose tooth properly until a dentist restores it. Nevertheless, since the loose tooth is vulnerable to infections, patients should try to remove any debris or loose food particles as much as possible. This may be accomplished by gently rinsing the mouth with warm water.
Only a qualified dentist can repair the loose tooth completely. So, patients need to make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible – ideally within 24 hours of discovering the issue – to save their teeth and prevent a total loss.
A dental professional can handle a loose tooth with many methods, including:
Splinting - Splinting involves placing a dental crown on the afflicted tooth and adjacent teeth and manufacturing a "splint" that connects them. This technique ensures a firm grip and prevents the affected tooth from moving.
Periodontal therapy - If the dentist discovers that the loose tooth results from gingivitis or more severe periodontal disease, they will perform scaling and root planing to eliminate plaque and tartar and restore healthy gums. The treatment may also entail gum grafting if the gum tissues have deteriorated considerably.
Tooth extraction and replacement – This is usually only necessary in extreme situations or when a patient fails to see the dentist for an extended length of time. The tooth that is damaged may be extracted and replaced with a dental implant. Although this operation is expensive, it will offer a permanent replacement that looks, feels, and operates just like the natural tooth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Woodland Hills, CA
If you or your child has a loose tooth, schedule an appointment with a dentist immediately. During a visit to the general dentistry office, the dentist will advise patients on the best treatment based on their specific situation.
Request an appointment or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at 818-657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.
General dentistry helps prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. General dentists are the most common types of dentists, and they spend most of their time performing preventative treatments.Many patients have oral health questions for general dentists. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked…
General dentistry focuses on preventative treatments that help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing and flossing are the foundations of preventative dentistry, and the type of toothpaste that you use can make your brushing sessions even more effective.With so many different types of toothpaste to choose from, figuring out what type works best can…
When you think of general dentistry, you may first think of teeth cleanings, examinations, and fluoride treatments. While these are typical services at the dentist’s office, treatments for more serious issues are common too. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be in pain and may be prone to getting infections or cavities. The…
Dental bonding provides patients with a non-invasive way to repair a myriad of issues that affect their teeth. The procedure can be performed for restorative or cosmetic purposes. It typically does not require the use of anesthetics or multiple visits to a dentist.Unlike crowns and veneers, which typically require shaving enamel off the tooth being…
Dental bonding is a multi-purpose procedure that provides patients with restorative and cosmetic benefits. Improving the way a person’s smile looks helps to increase their confidence, and restoring damaged teeth protects them against a wide range of dental and general issues.Repairing teeth with dental bonding does not require the dentist to make any permanent restorations…