You suddenly notice something doesn’t feel right in your mouth. A quick check in the mirror and a poke of your finger reveal an adult tooth is loose. You quickly think back to childhood, knowing a loose baby tooth is sure to fall out. That’s not necessarily the case with an adult tooth. There are many things that can be done to secure the tooth and allow it to heal.

Many adults will experience loose teeth at some point in their lives. It can happen at any age. An injury to the mouth, tooth grinding, or gum disease can affect the stability of the tooth and its socket. If you’ve been hit in the jaw and the injury doesn’t seem that severe, you could wait a few days to see if the tooth tightens up. This often happens as the swelling subsides and stretched periodontal ligaments heal.

How Dentists Treat Loose Adult Teeth

A dentist’s first reaction is not going to pull out the loose tooth, because most of the time it can be treated. They’ll diagnose the problem through a physical exam and x-rays. Once the see what is wrong and what’s causing the tooth to be loose, they can choose a treatment that will help you.

One of the most common loose tooth treatments is tooth splinting. A splint is bonded to the loose tooth and other ones that are stable, which keeps it in place until the healing process is complete. That can take a few days to a couple of weeks.

Teeth grinding is another reason adult teeth become loose. The high forces and constant strain while you are sleeping can injure your teeth enough for them to loosen, but a mouth guard can be worn to prevent loose teeth or stabilize those that become loose. Dentists will also look for gum disease, which will require a deep cleaning to get all the bacteria out of the gums and remove plaque build-up from between the teeth. Once the gums are clean, they can become healthier and your loose teeth will tighten up.

Changing the Biting Forces

Excess force is a common cause for loose teeth. If grinding isn’t the cause for the problem, the dentist can reshape the affected tooth and the one that is contacting it. Modifying the forces on the teeth facilitates healing. A loose adult tooth may not be as perilous as you think; your dentist may have simple treatments that will allow it to heal.

There is now a great deal of evidence that links gum disease to a variety of serious health issues. Treatable problems such as gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis, a more serious condition where the gums pull away from the teeth, can lead to more trouble down the road. Bad breath, mild swelling, or bleeding gums are often ignored. However, these signs should not be ignored as they can lead to systemic chronic infections and serious diseases.

Active Bacterial Infections Spread from the Mouth to the Body

Gum disease is an active bacterial infection. If bacteria leave the confines of the oral cavity, they can colonize other parts of the body and fester. In fact, research has shown the plaque that builds up on teeth consists of the same bacteria found in the arteries of people with heart disease.

Bacteria can easily get into the bloodstream from the mouth. The body’s response to inflammation and bacterial attack is a concern as well. Not only can gum disease lead to tooth loss and destruction of flesh and bone tissue. It can affect the body’s ability to fight off other infections, and cause toxins to enter the blood. There’s also evidence bacteria from the oral cavity can attack and kill white blood cells.

The Effects of Chronic Inflammation

If inflammation becomes chronic, it can eventually lead to an array of diseases. These include but are not limited to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. The incidence of these diseases and gum problems has been strongly correlated. Therefore, the risk of developing heart problems, stroke, and even pneumonia is higher if you have an untreated gum disease.
How to Avoid Health Issues Related to Gum Disease

You can potentially avoid heart, lung, and immunological and other problems by maintaining your oral health. Brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can remove plaque and tartar so bacteria don’t fester. A proper diet rich in minerals can help your body deal with oral bacteria. You should care for your immune system as well, which can be done by properly dealing with stress, avoiding smoking, and getting enough sleep.

It is important to remember your mouth isn’t isolated from the rest of the body. Unchecked problems such as gum disease can lead to serious health issues down the road. Let that be an incentive to tend to oral hygiene on a daily basis.

The term CEREC is becoming mainstream in the field of dentistry. It stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Technology is revolutionizing the dental industry and computers are not left out of the equation. CEREC dentistry involves using CAD/CAM systems and 3D technology. Although it has been around since 1987, dental practices are increasingly using this technology to treat broken, weak, or decayed teeth and provide fillings and crowns faster than before.

Why CEREC Is Preferred

Literally hundreds of studies have proven the safety of CEREC tooth restorations and about 30 million of them have been completed. Dentist can now use 3D photography and a CAD/CAM system to design a crown, bridge, or onlay/inlay. No impressions are needed, saving time and contributing to a more comfortable experience for the patient (no gagging). The system also includes a milling unit, so restorations can be produced while the patient is sitting in the chair.

For patients, CEREC is convenient and efficient. The results are long-lasting plus one does not have to wait long or even make a second appointment to complete their dental restoration. Crowns and bridges are made in the dental office. One does not have to deal with a crown, for example, coming back from the lab with an incorrect fit.

In addition, all materials are biocompatible and contain no harmful metals that can lead to health problems later. CEREC also replaces amalgam fillings with composites that are safe. These do not have the toxic compounds known to exist in mercury and other metal fillings.

CEREC Is Making Dentistry More Efficient

The experience for dentists and patients is changing thanks to this advanced revolutionary technology. Restorations can be completed in one appointment, and computer technology is helping to more easily obtain a perfect fit and look. The bonding technology is stronger as well, and includes highly durable ceramics and resins.

CEREC eliminates the need for patients to wear temporary crowns, a traditional inconvenience associated with restorations. There is also no need to wait for an outside dental lab to complete the finished product, nor are there messy molds to deal with. The process is therefore more convenient for the dental professional, as it is simpler and patients are more receptive to the treatment. More dentists are switching to CEREC than ever before, so tooth restorations don’t have to be unpleasant for anyone involved in the process.