Periodontal Disease and Loose Teeth
Loose or missing teeth are almost always a sign of a bigger underlying problem such as periodontal disease. Fortunately, there should be plenty of warning signs along the way that will signal the need for treatment. Patients of Dr. Chung who suffer from the following symptoms should seek treatment to avoid loose teeth:
• Inflamed gums
• Bleeding gums
• Abscesses
• Periodontal pocketing
• Gum recession
Early Warning Signs
Loose or shifting teeth only occur during the later and more severe stages of gum disease. This means that there are several warning signs along the way that should hint at the need for treatment. When you notice one or more of the above symptoms developing, that is usually a sign of periodontal disease. The earlier treatment is provided, the easier and less complicated it can be.
Treatment Options
In some cases of loose teeth, it is possible to restore your teeth to their natural state without suffering tooth loss. However, damage may be too severe to save the teeth at times. Some possible treatments for loose teeth include:
• Periodontal maintenance therapy (Cleaning and deep cleaing)
• Gum surgery with or wihout Bone grafting
• Tissue grafting
• Extraction and replacement
Preventing Loose Teeth
Like most health risks, it is better to avoid loose teeth altogether rather than trying to fix the problem. This includes treating any oral health problems such as inflamed gums, periodontal disease, or gum recession. It is also important to eat a healthy diet and do regular exercise to keep your immune system healthy. Most importantly, oral hygiene is critical to keep your mouth free of plaque and bacteria.
Patients should be aware that healthy adult teeth will never loosen or shift. If this happens, it is a major risk to your oral health and treatment should be sought as soon as possible. To learn more about treating and preventing loose teeth, contact Dr. Chung today!