Nothing is more exciting than loose teeth as a child because it means a visit from the Tooth Fairy. However, you don’t expect your adult teeth to feel loose. A blow to the mouth or advanced periodontal disease can cause a tooth to wiggle. Don’t panic! Here are 3 things you should do until you can see your emergency dentist for treatment.
1. Contact Your Emergency Dentist
A loose adult tooth is a dental emergency because you can be at risk of it falling out, which means it can be lost for good. As with any emergency, time is of the utmost importance. Contact your dentist right away and explain the situation. They’ll get you into the office quickly to assess your mouth to provide an appropriate solution.
2. Don’t Wiggle Your Tooth
Although it can be tempting, do not wiggle your tooth. You want to keep it stable as much as possible. You can bite on a piece of gauze to hold it in place, which can be helpful if a tooth was dislodged from trauma. Avoid moving the tooth with your tongue or fingers, so the issue does not worsen.
3. Watch What You Eat
Don’t eat any hard, chewy, or sticky foods until after you’ve seen your dentist. It’s best to stick to a soft diet with foods that require minimal chewing. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth to prevent causing additional damage.
Treating Loose Adult Teeth
An emergency dentist will examine your mouth to figure out why your tooth is loose. They may review X-rays or other images to see the entire tooth structure. Based on their results, they’ll recommend an appropriate treatment, like:
- Dental Splint: A dental splint uses your adjacent teeth and a small wire to hold the loose tooth in place. It won’t be needed permanently. Instead, your dentist may recommend it to allow the ligaments and surrounding tissues to create a strong foundation.
- Gum Disease Therapy: Advanced gum disease can destroy the supporting structures of your teeth, causing them to loosen and potentially fall out. Gum disease therapy will treat the infection to save your smile. Don’t wait to see your dentist because if gum disease reaches advanced stages, an extraction may be the only solution.
A loose tooth is frightening, but it can be treatable. Contact your emergency dentist right away. They will provide the quick care you need to avoid a missing tooth.
About Dr. Sohee Kim
Dr. Kim earned her dental degree at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued her education in various techniques and technologies. She is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Dawson Academy. If you need an emergency dentist, request an appointment through our website or call (469) 209-4032.