loose teeth - reasons and treatment. - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Teeth are anchored to the jaw with small fibers that form the periodontal ligament. If they become loose it is either the result of trauma that tears the fibers, gum disease that damages the jaw bone or a combination of the two. In most people lose teeth are an outcome of the combination of gum disease, which leads to bone and tooth loss and overload on the remaining teeth as shown in the image.

To treat loose teeth we need to address both the biologic disease process and the mechanical factor of overload. To address the biological aspect we need to treat the gum disease first and provide an environment in which the periodontal ligament can heal. Many times treating the gum disease will lead to stronger teeth and more comfort when chewing on top of the other beneficial effects for our health. But if treating the periodontal disease does not suffice we need to support the teeth which can be done by modifying the forces applied to the teeth or by joining them together to better withstand the forces applied which is called splinting as shown in the image.

I have been able to help many patients retain their teeth and have pleasure chewing again their favorite food by treating their gums disease and reinforcing their teeth. Please come and see us to have the source of tooth loosening uncovered .