A loose tooth in adults is not something that should be ignored. While it’s perfectly normal for children to experience loose teeth as part of their development, a wobbly tooth in adults can be a sign of underlying issues that require immediate attention. At John Street Dental, we believe in prioritising your oral health and ensuring you have access to quality care when you need it most.
Why Do Adult Teeth Become Loose?
There are several reasons why an adult tooth might become loose, ranging from minor trauma to more severe conditions. Here are some common causes:
- Injury or Trauma: A knock to the mouth during sports or an accident can cause a tooth to loosen, even if it doesn’t fall out immediately.
- Gum Disease: One of the leading causes of loose teeth in adults is periodontal (gum) disease. This condition weakens the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Constant grinding or clenching of your teeth can put excessive pressure on your teeth and cause them to become loose over time.
- Bone Loss: Conditions such as osteoporosis can lead to bone loss, which may cause teeth to lose their foundation and become unstable.
- Tooth Decay: Severe decay that reaches the root of the tooth can weaken its structure, leading to mobility.
The Risks of Ignoring a Loose Tooth
It might be tempting to wait and see if your tooth stabilises on its own, but delaying treatment could result in more serious complications. Here’s why you should contact an Emergency Dentist in Redcliffe as soon as you notice a loose tooth:
- Permanent Tooth Loss: If a loose tooth isn’t treated promptly, it may become too unstable to save, leading to the need for extraction.
- Infection: A loose tooth can create gaps in your gums, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infections or abscesses. Left untreated, this can spread to other parts of your body and result in serious health issues.
- Misalignment: A missing or loose tooth can affect the alignment of your surrounding teeth, leading to bite problems, difficulty chewing, and even jaw pain.
- Bone Deterioration: If you lose a tooth, the bone in that area can begin to deteriorate over time, potentially affecting the structure of your face and making future dental treatments more complex.
Why Emergency Dental Care is Crucial
Seeking emergency dental care for a loose tooth ensures that the problem is diagnosed and treated quickly, giving you the best chance of saving the tooth. Depending on the cause, treatments might include:
- Splinting: This involves attaching the loose tooth to its neighbouring teeth to stabilise it while the underlying issue is addressed.
- Deep Cleaning: If gum disease is the cause, a deep clean to remove plaque and bacteria from below the gum line can help.
- Root Canal Therapy: For teeth affected by decay or infection, a root canal may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and stabilise the tooth.
- Tooth Extraction and Replacement: In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction followed by options like dental implants or bridges can restore your smile.
Protect Your Oral Health Today
Don’t wait for a loose tooth to worsen—contact your Emergency Dentist in Redcliffe for immediate attention. Early intervention can prevent further damage and help you maintain a healthy, functional smile for years to come.
At John Street Dental, we are here to provide expert care when you need it most. If you’re experiencing a loose tooth or any other dental emergency, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
