A loose permanent tooth is a big problem, so if it ever happens to you, we hope you’ll know to come to Dr. Eric Meyer’s Fullerton dental office for help. Assuming the patient has not suffered a blow to the face, loose teeth are usually caused by advanced periodontal disease, and intervention by a dentist is necessary to save the teeth and the patient’s overall health.
The scientific term for damage to the teeth from severe periodontal disease is “secondary occlusal trauma.” (When tooth damage occurs without an infection, it is called “primary occlusal trauma.”) Periodontal disease doesn’t just destroy gum tissue; it also causes the jaw bone to lose mass. As the bone and gum ligaments recede, the teeth can wriggle around. If a patient loses their back teeth and tries to compensate by chewing with their front teeth, they are likely to give themselves primary occlusal trauma, as well.
We have several dentists on staff with advanced training in controlling periodontal disease. When the infection has been curbed, it may be necessary to rebuild the jaw bone with a bone graft. During treatments, a splint will likely be used to distribute bite force among the teeth more evenly, but how long patients will need the splint for will vary on a case-by-case basis.
Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit FullertonDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.
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