Can My Loose Tooth Be Saved?

As an adult with a loose tooth, you may think your only options are to go to the dentist to have the tooth pulled or pull it out yourself. Once the dentist removes the tooth, another one will not grow in its place. However, that is only partially correct. While adults do not grow new teeth, having a loose tooth is not a total loss. Under certain conditions, you can save a loose tooth if you act fast enough.

What Caused The Tooth To Become Loose?

Whether you can save a loose tooth depends on how the tooth became loose. Did a physical act knock the tooth loose? Is your tooth loose because you grind your teeth while you sleep? Has gum disease caused your gums to recede because of infection between your teeth and your gums?

What Should You Do If Your Tooth Is Loose?

Don’t try to take the tooth out yourself. Don’t wiggle the loose tooth with your finger or tongue. Wiggling the tooth could cause an infection or excess bleeding. Also, the tooth could break off, leaving a piece inside the socket. When you have a loose tooth, you should not attempt to eat hard or sticky food. Hard food may cause the tooth to break. Sticky foods can get stuck between your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water to try to keep the area around the loose tooth as clean as possible. You will not be able to brush that tooth or use dental floss.

How Does A Dentist Treat A Loose Tooth?

Call your dentist for a same-day appointment. Your dentist can remove the tooth and replace it with a dental implant. Another option is a tooth splint, where the other teeth secure the tooth around it. If your tooth is loose because of gum disease, your dentist will do a deep cleaning of your teeth to remove any infection. As your gums heal, they will tighten around the loose tooth.

So, if you have a loose tooth, don’t panic. Contact your dentist for an immediate appointment. There is a possibility that your dentist may be able to save your loose tooth using a dental splint or clean your gums so they can reseal the tooth.