There is little as disconcerting as suddenly noticing that one (or more) of your teeth are wobbly when you touch them. In most cases, you probably can’t even think how this might have happened. Understandably, once the initial shock has passed, you probably start to wonder if the tooth is going to fall out. This is a realistic possibility, but it isn’t always the case.
One thing that almost certainly won’t happen, is for the tooth to suddenly become stable again all on its own. The best thing that you can do if you notice this happening is to get in touch with Blake Dental as soon as you can so that we can examine the tooth and determine the best course of action to take.
One of the most likely causes of this problem is gum disease. This is one of the major causes of tooth loss amongst adults; a fact that takes some people by surprise.
As plaque, a collection of bacteria, collects around the gum line, it can start to cause inflammation and other symptoms such as bleeding gums, especially when you brush your teeth. The early stage is known as gingivitis and this can usually be treated with relatively straightforward treatment and improvements in your teeth cleaning regime. If neglected though in the hope that it ‘will go away’, the likelihood is that this will become more advanced and develop into periodontitis, a much more serious issue.
When this develops, the bacteria reach the roots of the tooth, but more importantly, also start to damage and weaken the bone that is holding the tooth in position. As the bone becomes compromised, the tooth may start to work loose and move around in the mouth.
If you have received a blow to the face, such as during sport, this may have also caused damage to the tooth roots and surrounding bone tissue, making the tooth loose. Even if you can’t recall anything as obvious as this, think whether you have accidentally bumped into anything or whether, perhaps, your young child has become a little overenthusiastic in their play and come into contact with your teeth. Even a relatively minor blow, delivered in the right area, could cause this to happen.
Whatever the cause though, make sure to let our Witham dentists know when you call us to make an appointment to see the dentist.
Other causes can also occur such as an infection around the tooth or if you grind your teeth at night. Whatever the reason though, the dentist should be your first port of call to have it treated.
If gum disease is diagnosed, the treatment is two pronged. You will need to see our dental hygienist for this. They will discuss your oral health and lifestyle habits (such as smoking) and will make recommendations as to changes that you can make to improve your oral health. This will help to protect your teeth and gums going forwards. To help get this started, you will also receive a ‘scale and polish’ procedure. This is non-invasive and removes hardened bacteria, otherwise known as tartar or calculus, from the teeth and gum line. This not only helps to relieve the problem but removes the rough ‘crust’ that the tartar forms. This will leave you with a smoother tooth surface that makes it more difficult for more bacteria to attach itself too.
Generally speaking, you should have this done every six months or at intervals suggested by the hygienist, depending on the degree of the problem and your lifestyle choices or health conditions such as diabetes which makes gingival problems more likely.
Where the condition is more advanced, a more invasive treatment known as a ‘deep clean’ might be needed. This isn’t a guaranteed success though and prevention is by far the better option.
Where damage is caused by teeth grinding or injury, the treatment may vary. Teeth grinding is difficult to overcome and can take time as it is often thought to be caused by anxiety. A mouth guard to be worn at night is an option that might be considered to help prevent any damage caused to your teeth by it.
Where injury is the issue, we will also check that there is no damage to the tooth as well.
Depending on the nature of the problem, there is a good chance that the bone will heal if you follow instructions that we give you. In order to prevent further damage, the wobbly tooth may be temporarily attached to the nearby teeth to keep it stable while the bone heals.
Of course, there is always the possibility that the damage is too severe and the tooth may need to be extracted. We can discuss replacement options such as dentures or dental implants with you if this is the case.
The two main things that you need to do if you notice a wobbly tooth though, is not to delay but to contact us for a prompt appointment. You should follow any advice on how to prevent further damage until then and also follow any guidance we give you after treatment. If you do this, there is a good chance that the wobbly tooth can be saved.
If you have a loose tooth or any other dental issue, please call Blake Dental for an appointment on 01376 501688.
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Katie Annabel Blake trading as Blake Dental is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Financing First Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Katie Annabel Blake is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Financing First Limited may not be so authorised and regulated.
