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Dr. Thomas

Can I Get My Tooth Reattached?

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The other day, I had a hard blow to my face, and the upper right first premolar was loose. Now it feels even more loose, and I fear it will come out soon. I have tied floss around the teeth in front and behind the loose one and made a knot to keep it in place. I don’t have dental insurance, so I haven’t really seen a dentist in over a year. If the tooth falls out before I figure out what to do, can the emergency room reattach it? Thanks. Seth from NJ

Seth,

Please see a dentist immediately. An emergency room is equipped for medical emergencies, not dental emergencies.

Can You Get Your Tooth Reattached?

Whether a dentist can reattach a tooth depends on its condition and how long it has been out of the socket. Handle the tooth carefully and keep it moist without touching the tooth roots. See a dentist immediately.

What Is the Treatment for a Loose Tooth?

A loose tooth must be stabilized to strengthen its attachment to ligaments, bone, and gums. According to the American Association of Endodontists, a dentist or endodontist may recommend the following treatment for a loose tooth:

  • Repositioning and stabilizing the tooth
  • Root canal treatment to remove infection
  • Replacing damaged tooth pulp with a root canal filler material

Please don’t delay scheduling an appointment because you don’t have dental insurance. A dentist may be able to save your tooth, but delays can increase the risk of losing it.

Many dentists accept same-day appointments. Call a few of them, explain that you don’t have dental insurance, and ask about payment plans.

Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.

Will a Dentist Need to Pull My Loose Tooth?

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An unsure woman, portraying concern over treatment for a loose tooth, which is a dental emergencyI took my kids to a park yesterday and had an accident that loosened my right incisor tooth. I was so concerned about their safety, but I was the one who fell. After brushing my teeth this morning, I felt my tooth was loose.

I’ve been dentist-hopping because I haven’t found a dentist that makes me feel comfortable. Now I must return to one of the previous dentists or find a new one. What will a dentist do about a loose tooth? Will they have to pull it? – Violita

Violita

Thank you for contacting Dr. Thomas’s office. We hope you will have seen a dentist before you can read our response. Loose teeth need urgent care, and we hope a dentist can save your tooth.

What Is a Loose Tooth?

A loose tooth lacks support from the surrounding gums, ligaments, or bone. You may eventually lose the tooth from lack of support.

What Is the Treatment for a Loose Tooth?

Treatment for a loose tooth depends on what causes its looseness. Trauma, gum disease, and teeth grinding can loosen a tooth.

  • Trauma – When trauma loosens a tooth, a dentist will examine it and take x-rays. A tooth’s internal condition determines whether a splint is enough or if the tooth needs root canal treatment.
  • Gum disease – A tooth will loosen as bacteria destroy gum tissue and bone. Your treatment plan may include laser treatment, gum surgery, or bone grafting to give a loose tooth a healthy foundation. A dentist or periodontist (gum disease specialist) will complete root scaling and planing (deep cleanings).
  • Teeth grinding – Pressure from untreated teeth grinding can loosen ligaments and cause teeth to loosen. A dentist will prescribe a custom mouth guard to relieve your teeth of pressure. You may need additional treatment to align your bite (how your upper or lower teeth meet).
  • Age and chronic illness – According to the American Dental Association, some people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are more susceptible to tooth loss as they age. Patients may need more frequent dental checkups to monitor their oral health.

Whenever you experience trauma to your mouth or teeth, even if you do not have signs or symptoms of any damage, see a dentist right away for an exam.

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care possible.