Treatment Options For Teeth Loosened By Gum Disease

There is nothing pleasant about having loose teeth. It can be very unsettling to feel teeth moving around and it can be a warning of eventual tooth loss.

If you notice any looseness in your teeth, you should make an appointment at our Warner Lakes Dental office immediately, so that we can determine the underlying cause.

There are two main reasons for loose teeth. One reason is excessive biting force, but most often, looseness is actually a late symptom of gum (periodontal) disease.

If left untreated, periodontal disease destroys the supporting structure of your teeth, including the bone. As bone loss progresses, teeth gradually become looser, and if you do not seek treatment, this can ultimately result in tooth loss.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease begins with inflammation in the gums. It is caused by bacteria in dental plaque, a sticky substance that forms on your teeth. In an effort to fight this bacteria, your immune system releases substances that cause inflammation and destruction of the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.

This leads to swollen, bleeding gums, gingivitis  (the earliest stage of periodontal disease), and loosening of the teeth, a sign of severe periodontitis (the advanced stage of gum disease).

How Can Gum Disease be Treated?

#1. Deep Cleaning

Pockets in the gums may develop when bacteria infect the gums and bones. If this is not caught early enough, your Warner dentist may need to clean bacteria out of the pockets using a deep-cleaning method called scaling — scraping tartar off the gum line.

Membranes or tissue-stimulating proteins can then be used to try to stimulate the gums and bones to heal themselves and re-tighten around the teeth.

After a deep cleaning, you may have pain for a day or two and teeth sensitivity for up to a week. Your gums also may be swollen, feel tender and bleed.

Your dentist will schedule another visit to see how your gums have healed and measure the depth of your pockets.

#2. Root Planing

Root planing can be used in the early stages of gum disease when the teeth are just starting to come loose. Root planing helps reshape teeth to eliminate rough spots so that germs cannot accumulate.

After planing a laser can remove any remaining plaque and tartar. This procedure, when combined with good dental hygiene, can help to slow the progression of gum disease, allowing your gums to strengthen and take shape around your teeth. If you smoke, your dentist will also recommend that you stop, as tobacco can interfere with the healing process and increases the risk of future infections.

#3. Antibiotic Treatment

Gum disease needs to be treated because it can have impacts far beyond the mouth. Bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the body and lead to heart disease, stroke, full-body infections and premature births.

Along with loose teeth, gum disease can cause painful gums and chronic bad breath that is not from food. The first step is to control the infection, and in some cases this may require placing antibiotics directly on the gums.

#4. Bone Grafts & Guided Tissue Regeneration

During a bone graft, a periodontist pulls back part of the gum and removes the bacteria that can make gum disease worse. Bone grafts are inserted, which work with the body to help build new bone. Bone grafts can repair damage from gum disease and boost the chances that teeth will not be lost.

In addition to a bone graft, your dentist or periodontist may suggest guided tissue regeneration. This is an option if the bone that supports your teeth has been destroyed by gum disease.

During regeneration, a periodontist inserts a tiny piece of mesh between the gum and bone after cleaning out the bacteria. This mesh acts like a shield, preventing the gum from growing into the area where the bone should be. This helps the bone grow back so that teeth can be saved, rather than extracted.

While these treatments are all useful in fighting teeth that have become loose due to gum disease, the easiest way to fight off loose teeth is to avoid gum disease through good oral hygiene. Your Warner Lakes Dental dentist will be happy to sit down with you and discuss what you can do to avoid the dangers of teeth loosened by gum disease.

Warner Lakes Dental, Your Trusted Family Dental Clinic In Warner

Warner Lakes Dental wants your visit to be the quickest and most convenient dental experience possible! From parking to treatment, we try to make the entire process as simple and painless as possible! From routine check-ups and cleans to root canals, extractions, and cosmetic treatments, Warner Lakes Dental is your partner in dental health.

Fight gum disease with our premium quality service and say hello to better oral health this 2018 and beyond!

Call us on (07) 3477 9925 or request your appointment online today!