Can a Loose Tooth Fix Itself?
A loose tooth is a normal and common occurrence for a child. If as an adult you have a loose tooth, then you have an issue that requires a dental examination. Every tooth is designed to literally move an undiscernible amount because of the support of the periodontal ligament fibers, which are wrapped around every tooth root to secure them in place. Any noticeable loosening is a sign of concern. There are a few common factors that can cause your loose tooth, which may require corrective treatment. The primary causes of loose teeth are either gum disease or an injury to your mouth. An adult loose tooth can fix itself, but it is best to let your dentist exam it first and make that decision.
A Loose Tooth Caused by Gum Disease
Gum disease, or called gingivitis and periodontitis in progressive stages, can become a serious infection that damages the gum tissue and will also destroy the supporting structure. If neglected, the gum disease will loosen your teeth. It can then also lead to you losing teeth. If you believe your teeth seem loose after you brush, it could be self-induced from your poor oral hygiene causing the gum disease. Experiencing a loose tooth does not immediately mean you are suffering from gum disease. Your dentist will examine and identify the source.
Gum disease is common and affects millions of American adults. After a simple and deliberate examination, your dentist can determine the extent of the disease and treat you accordingly. There is a variety of solutions to treat your symptoms, eliminate the disease altogether, and heal and restore your gums. If your tooth is loose, it is also possible to restore that loose tooth and return it to normal.
A Loose Tooth Caused by Injury
You can experience a loose tooth if you have experienced some facial trauma. Whether you have fallen or suffered from a blow to the jaw and face during a sporting activity, schedule a visit to see your dentist soon. If the tooth is loose, you will need to have some corrective treatment. If the tooth is just a tiny bit wiggly, your dentist might leave it alone and let the periodontal ligaments tighten on their own. Your tooth can heal itself if it is only a little loose.
A loose tooth can be tightened and healed in a few weeks. You will need to exercise care and caution, such as not chewing on the loose tooth while it is healing.
Common Loose Tooth Treatments
Your dentist will first exam your teeth and gums to identify the cause of your loose tooth. It is always best to schedule an examination to determine the specific cause of your loose tooth. Your dentist will suggest the proper dental treatment for your situation. Most treatments are common and performed frequently, are preventative in their scope, and can function as the proactive treatment to prevent any further loosening.
If your examination discovers gum disease, your dentist must first remove the source of the disease, which is the buildup of damaging plaque on your teeth. This is done by scaling and deeper root planing if necessary. After this professional teeth-cleaning they could also prescribe an antibiotic to help eliminate the bacteria and the infection. The scaling removes the originating source of the infection, which immediately allows your gums to heal and to reattach normally to your teeth.