Loose Teeth

Having loose teeth is a clear sign that something is wrong with your teeth.  If this is the case, then you should see your doctor immediately for ensuing treatment to prevent any further problems to your teeth and underlying gums!  The most common causes for loose teeth are:

• Periodontal (Gum) Disease – Your gums have an important role in attaching your teeth to the alveolar bone.  When there is an accumulation of food debris on your gums, it will attract bacteria causing gingervitis.  Bacterial infection of the gums will spread to the fibrous tissue beneath the teeth and alveolar bone.  If left untreated, more and more bone is destroyed surrounding the teeth and can cause a gum abscess, which will result in loose teeth since the teeth are no longer stabilized by the bone and surrounding tissue.                                                                                                                        
• Accident/Trauma – Is another common cause of loose teeth.  Accidents to the head and mouth, resulting in blunt injury to the tooth structure can cause loosening of the teeth.  Also, the trauma from teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause loose teeth.  Also teeth may also become loose during orthodontic treatment.  The most common example being the widening of ligaments that hold teeth in their sockets due to the pressure from orthodontic wires of braces.  A tumor of the bone, which causes destruction to the bony architecture, also results in loose teeth.

The most obvious symptom of loose teeth is the presence of some degree of tooth movement.  This movement can be felt when the teeth are clenched.  Visible movement of the tooth is sufficient to diagnose tooth mobility.   Other symptoms include discomfort while chewing food, pain that accompanies any tooth movement, and swollen, damages, and red tissue around the loose tooth.   

The earlier you see a dentist concerning any loose teeth, the better your chances are in saving that tooth.  If your loose teeth are related to periodontal (gum) disease, the first step is to clean the loose tooth and eliminate all bacterial sources that are causing the problem.  The dentist usually will perform scaling and root planning of your teeth and gums.  This involves removing all of the irritants under the gums to eliminate inflammation and infection.  In patients with minimal tooth movement, scaling and root planing is the only treatment needed.  It can often eliminate the inflammation and infection that promotes the tissue destruction around teeth from periodontal disease.    

If your tooth remains loose and is causing discomfort and pain, then they many be splinted.  Splinting is a process where the teeth are joined together to increase their stability and strength.  Splinting is usually done using a thin steel wire, which is passed through the spaces between the loose teeth, and the adjacent strong teeth in a specific pattern, so as to attain maximum stabilization of the loose tooth.  Front teeth are the common areas that need splinting.  When used to connect periodontally compromised teeth, splinting can increase patient comfort during chewing.

If your teeth are severely loose and moves in all direction, then the only alternative is the extraction of that tooth.  After extraction, the tooth can be replaced with a dental implant or bridge. 

If you have loose teeth, then contact your dentist immediately.  Early diagnosis and treatment is critical in saving the affected teeth.  Letting the problem sit will only complicate the situation, which may possible lead to extraction and the more costly endeavor of replacing those teeth. 

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