Your adult teeth are supposed to be the pearly whites that see you through your life after childhood. That’s why, whether you experienced facial trauma or your loose tooth is seemingly out of the blue, this situation can be incredibly alarming. Instead of panicking, it’s important to keep a calm head and call your emergency dentist in Westminster as soon as possible. To learn more about what can cause a permanent tooth to become loose and steps you should take to address the problem, read below.
What Can Cause an Adult Tooth to Become Loose?
In order to avoid a loose tooth, it’s a good idea to know the potential causes. The most common reasons for this oral health concern are:
- Trauma to the mouth that causes a tooth to become dislodged from its socket.
- Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Because this infection deteriorates the supportive structures surrounding teeth (the bone and soft tissue), it can result in loose teeth if left untreated.
- Teeth grinding and clenching, which can be caused by stress, orthodontic problems, or the result of a past jaw injury, can wear down teeth and cause them to become loose.
3 Steps to Take if You Have a Loose Tooth
If you notice that one or more of your teeth are loose, the first step you should always take is to contact your emergency dentist in Westminster to schedule a same-day appointment. The front desk staff will also likely provide you with some helpful first aid guidance to prevent your tooth from completely falling out and improve your comfort.
The next step of addressing your loose tooth will be receiving a thorough examination from your emergency dentist as well as an X-ray, if necessary. This will help determine the underlying cause of your situation, allowing your dentist to make a thorough diagnosis and create a treatment plan to not just address your loose tooth, but also any other lingering problems.
Finally, once your dentist has walked you through your treatment recommendations and answered any questions you may have, the last step is to undergo any necessary procedures to restore your oral health.
Possible Treatment Recommendations for a Loose Tooth
Not all dental emergencies involving loose teeth will require the same solution. In fact, depending on the underlying cause for the problem, your dentist may recommend one of any number of treatments:
- Gum disease treatment can help improve and maintain the infection of your soft oral tissues, preventing other teeth from becoming loose and needing to be extracted.
- A tooth extraction may be recommended if the tooth can’t be successfully re-planted into its socket.
- A nightguard for bruxism can prevent future wear-and-tear on your teeth by cushioning them from each other when you sleep.
It’s important to keep in mind that every dental emergency is unique, so the treatment recommended to you could vary depending on what your dentist diagnoses during your examination. Your dentist will work closely with you to help determine the right route of treatment, getting your smile back in tip-top shape!
About the Practice
At JB Dental, our team is led by two highly experienced and compassionate dentists, Dr. Joanne Bancroft and Dr. Lynette Lim. With a shared goal of providing timely, trustworthy care, even in the scariest of moments, our team can help patients get out of pain and maintain healthy and whole smiles. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit JB Dental’s website or call 720-458-6561.