Baby teeth are meant to loosen and eventually fall out; however, this is not the case with adult ones. Those that are permanently in place will hopefully last a lifetime, so if you notice that one feels wiggly or is on the verge of detachment, you shouldn’t wait to call your emergency dentist in Aurora for help. Learn what you should do if faced with this situation so that you don’t lose your natural tooth.
Step #1: Call Your Dentist Immediately.
The first step is to call your dentist as soon as you notice the problem. Remember, adult teeth should never feel or be loose, so do not wait to seek emergency help. When on the phone with a team member, share your concerns and symptoms so they can determine how soon you need to come in for necessary treatment, which will usually be within 1-2 days.
Step #2: Try to Keep the Tooth in Place.
While awaiting your appointment, try to keep the tooth in its socket. This means do not use your tongue or finger to prod it. Instead, avoid touching it as much as possible. Your fingers come into contact with all types of germs throughout the day, and those can be passed onto your mouth if you begin messing with your tooth.
Step #3: Avoid Certain Foods and Habits.
Certain foods should also be avoided to keep your tooth in its socket. Those that are hard, sticky, and chewy can put your loose pearly white at risk of being pulled out, leaving you with a gap in your smile.
When eating, try to remember to chew on the other side of your mouth so that you don’t accidentally knock out the tooth.
Step #4: Go to Your Dentist’s Office for Treatment.
When it’s time to visit your dentist, you can expect them to take X-rays of the area and determine how loose the tooth is. Based on their findings, they will determine the best type of restorative treatment to keep your natural smile intact. This may include using a dental splint that attaches to the adjacent tooth and holds the loose one in place until it reattaches to the socket.
It might also mean undergoing gum disease treatment to address advanced periodontitis that is breaking down the jawbone and causing the tooth to become loose.
Finally, if the tooth cannot be saved, it will likely be extracted before any discussion of replacement begins.
Regardless of the type of treatment you receive, trust that by following these steps, your dentist will work quickly to get your smile back in working order.
About Grand Dental – Aurora
Emergency dentistry is helpful when needed, but it’s always best to avoid it if possible. At Grand Dental – Aurora, our experts can handle most injuries and encourage you to call our office right away if you are in pain or notice anything amiss, especially a loose adult tooth. Visit our website or call (630) 898-3610 to schedule an appointment immediately so that we can get you the help you need.