Professional Loose Teeth Treatments
Having a loose tooth is hardly a concern when a child as their baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth. But for adults, a loose tooth should be a concern that warrants being taken care of promptly before it creates major problems. It can signal underlying disease or be a sign or poor oral health.
Symptoms adults may experience when facing a loose tooth include:
- Redness of the gums
- Gum or tooth pain
- Gum swelling
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
Because these symptoms can also be signs of disease, consulting a professional will be needed to determine the underlying cause of a loose tooth or teeth. Based on the cause, the dentist will be able to recommend appropriate treatment. Read on to learn more about the types of professional treatments patients can seek to remedy loose teeth.
Causes of Loose Teeth Review
Before exploring professional treatment options, it is helpful to briefly note the common causes of loose teeth in adults:
- Periodontal disease
- Plaque
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Injury or trauma
- Bad oral hygiene
- Osteoporosis
- Hormonal changes - pregnancy
Professional Treatments for Loose Teeth
Deep Cleanings
If loosening teeth is attributed to plaque or periodontal disease, a dentist may recommend the patient undergo a deep cleaning procedure. Formally known as teeth scaling and root planing, these deep cleaning procedures are performed in the dentist’s office on an outpatient basis. In some cases, local anesthesia will be administered to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
The procedure begins with teeth scaling which involves scraping plaque away from the teeth and in any pockets that have formed between the gums and teeth. Next, root planing is performed and involves the dentist smoothing the tooth roots with a scaling tool. Smoothing helps the gums reattach to the teeth and thereby firming them up in the mouth. Antibiotics may be prescribed after the procedure to remove any additional bacterial infections.
Surgery
In more advanced cases, dental professionals might also use surgical intervention to remedy loose teeth. Bone and tissue grafting is one such treatment that could be employed. Bone and tissue are sourced from donated material, synthetic, or the from the patient and is placed around the affected area to strengthen them.
When all other treatments are ineffective, osseous surgery may be required to remedy loose teeth from periodontal disease. During the surgery, the gums are cut to expose the infection and any infected areas are removed until bacteria is gone. Should bone be damaged as well, it is replaced with new tissue.
Tooth Splinting
Patients with teeth that are loosened due to lost gum tissue may find dental splinting beneficial. This procedure attaches loose teeth together to create a single, stable unit that is stronger than teeth individually and is most often utilized on front teeth.
With dental splinting, a thin wire is used to join the teeth together to make them more stable and function normally. The procedure not only helps the patient save the teeth, but also reduces any discomfort associated with a loose tooth.