Tooth loss among adults is not as uncommon as you may think. It's estimated that nearly 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. What's more, about 40 million of them are missing all of their teeth.
The reasons people lose their teeth vary from untreated tooth decay or gum disease to accidents, bone disease, or regular wear and tear.
Whatever the reasons, noticing that one of your teeth is loose can be scary. You may wonder if you can save it and what your options are for teeth restoration.
Here's what you need to know.
If you notice that you have a loose tooth, do not ignore or delay the visit to your dentist in Cibolo. The sooner you go, the higher the chances of saving the tooth and restoring your oral health.
Do not wiggle the tooth or touch it with your tongue or finger, as this can make things worse.
If you were able to schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist, then it's best to abstain from eating or drinking until you can see your doctor.
But, if you need to wait for one or more days until your visit, only eat soft foods and chew on the other side of your mouth.
Avoid brushing your teeth too. Instead, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove food particles and keep your teeth clean.
Depending on the cause and how severe the problem is, your dentist can recommend different treatment options, such as:
This is a common treatment for a loose tooth due to injury. The loose tooth will be splinted and attached to the teeth next to it. Joining the teeth together will help the ligaments to strengthen and reattach themselves, thus saving your tooth.
If your tooth is loose because of untreated gum disease, then your dentist will perform a deep cleaning. This way, they will remove the plaque and tartar that are causing all the problems and make sure that the rest of your teeth are safe.
Extraction is usually a last resort and is only necessary when the tooth and root have been severely damaged to the point it is not possible to save them anymore. Your dentist will likely try and look for all the solutions to restore your oral health. But there are cases when that is just not possible, and extraction is the best course of action. The dentist will then help you choose the best restoration treatment for you, be it an implant or dental bridge.
If you have a loose tooth, then you shouldn't wait a minute longer! The matter is urgent, and you need to see your dentist right away.
At Cibolo Family Smiles, we offer emergency dentistry services and can help you no matter the time or day.
Contact us right now and tell us about your problem. Or simply walk into our office and let us know that you have an emergency, and we will take it from there.