Loose Adult Tooth? Here’s What to Do

As a child, nothing is more exciting than a loose tooth because it means a visit from the Tooth Fairy. However, if you’re an adult with a wiggly tooth, it’s a reason for concern. You need to see an emergency dentist. You only get one set of adult teeth. If you lose one, it’s not going to grow back. Don’t panic! Here are the most common causes of loose adult teeth and what you should do to save your smile.

Don’t Wiggle Your Tooth

If you know a tooth is loose, it can be difficult focusing on anything else. Resist the urge to wiggle it with your tongue or finger. You don’t want to make the problem worse by continuously disturbing the tooth.

Visit Your Dentist for Treatment

Don’t wait to see your dentist or you may lose your tooth. Your emergency dentist will get you into the office quickly and examine your mouth to determine why your tooth is loose to create an appropriate treatment plan.

Depending on the underlying cause, like trauma, your dentist can apply a temporary splint to hold it in place. This allows the ligaments and supporting tissues to heal. A splint consists of a thin wire that is held in place using the support of your adjacent teeth to stabilize it.

Options to Replace a Lost Tooth

Unfortunately, not all loose permanent teeth can be saved, such as those caused by advanced gum disease, bone loss, or decay. If your dentist cannot save your tooth, it’s best to have it extracted and replaced using a prosthetic. You have multiple options to fill the gap in your smile, including:

• Dental Bridge: Your dentist takes an impression of your mouth to create a prosthetic tooth to replace the portion above the gum line. It’s held in place by bonding dental crowns to the adjacent teeth, so you won’t have to worry about it falling out.
• Dental Implant: A titanium post is inserted into the jawbone to replicate a root. An abutment is attached to the post to secure a custom-made restoration to replace the surface of the tooth. With over a 95% success rate and a lifespan of 30 years or more, you’ll benefit from lasting results.

No matter the method, you can enjoy results that look and feel natural using the latest advancements in dentistry. You can avoid the hassle of replacing a missing tooth by contacting your emergency dentist right away if a tooth is loose.

About Dr. Jonathan Aguilar 

Dr. Aguilar earned his dental degree at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry and has regularly continued his education to provide the Denton community with exceptional dental services. He strives to deliver patient-focused care in a comfortable environment to help each patient achieve their best smile. Request an appointment through our website or call (940) 353-6444.