Teeth can become loose due to a bite misalignment or an injury, but the most common cause of loose teeth is periodontitis (severe gum disease). As the number one cause of adult tooth loss in America, unchecked gum disease destroys the gum tissue and jawbone that support your teeth. Whatever the cause, loose teeth are at a significant risk of becoming lost teeth if steps aren’t taken to correct the underlying problem. Fortunately, Dr. Kania can address the consequences that lead to loose teeth, and can help you prevent them from becoming lost teeth.

Your Smile’s Foundation

Your gums act as a seal that supports and protects your teeth’s roots up to the point where the crowns (tops of your teeth) begin. When dental plaque forms along your gum line, the germs it carries can directly irritate your gum tissue, causing your gums to become inflamed and separate from your teeth. The resulting spaces, called periodontal pockets, can harbor more bacteria and accelerate gum disease, simultaneously accelerating the erosion of the tissues that hold your teeth steadily in place.

Inflammation and bleeding are telltale signs of gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease. Fortunately, it can often be reversed with scaling and root planing, followed by regular periodontal maintenance, if necessary. Periodontal cleaning involves removing plaque from underneath your gums, then smoothing your teeth’s roots to inhibit bacteria and allow your gums to regain their grip on your teeth.

If Your Loose Teeth Are Lost

Though loose teeth can often be saved, there are some instances where the loss of a loose tooth is inevitable, such as when undue pressure fully dislodges it. Saving your tooth is a top priority, but if your loose tooth is doomed, or lost before you can treat it, then replacing the tooth is equally important.

During your visit, ask Dr. Kania about dental implants, which are surgically inserted into your jawbone to provide a sturdy foundation for your dental prosthetic. As the only restoration that addresses the loss of your teeth’s roots, dental implants can help preserve your jawbone health, which relies on stimulation from teeth roots. Keeping your jawbone strong reduces your risks of experience loose teeth again in the future, improving your long-term oral and maxillofacial health.

Find Out How to Save Your Loose Teeth

If your teeth have become noticeably loose, then periodontal disease may be the reason, and appropriate treatment may be immediately necessary. To find out if Dr. Kania can help you save your loose teeth, schedule a consultation by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.