Toggle navigation
Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
70 Westridge Parkway, Suite 200 McDonough, GA 30253(678) 583-0330
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Home
  • Meet Our Dentist
  • Meet Our Team
  • Our Office
  • New Patients
  • Reviews
  • Appointment Request

My Blog

Posts for tag: loose tooth

Call the Dentist Immediately If You Have a Loose Tooth

By Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
August 30, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: loose tooth  
CalltheDentistImmediatelyIfYouHaveaLooseTooth

Do you remember when one of your baby teeth began to wiggle? You knew it wouldn't be long before it came out, followed by a little something from the “tooth fairy” under your pillow.

Those were the days! But a loose permanent tooth is something else entirely: Often a sign of advanced periodontal (gum) disease, you may be on the verge of losing the tooth forever.

This sad affair begins with dental plaque, a thin biofilm found on tooth surfaces and the ideal haven for oral bacteria that can trigger a gum infection. You might not notice such an infection in its early stages, other than a few initial signs like gum redness, swelling, or bleeding. If these occur, it's imperative you seek treatment promptly.

Without treatment, the infection can spread below the gum line, weakening gum attachments to teeth (which actually hold teeth in place) and eventually doing the same to underlying bone. All of this damage can lead to a tooth becoming loose and eventually falling out.

But it's not inevitable a loose tooth will eventually be lost, though it may require long-term efforts to save it. We may first need to do a bite adjustment, which will often allow a tooth to decrease its mobility. If the mobility has not been reduced enough, we may recommend stabilizing the teeth through splinting: These are techniques used to join the loose tooth to more stable teeth, usually with a thin strip of metal or other dental material.

We'll also need to treat the underlying cause, which in the case of gum disease requires aggressive plaque removal. Our goal is to manually remove all plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) deposits, particularly below the gum line. It may also require surgery to fully access deep pockets of infection. But once we remove the offending plaque, the gums can begin to heal.

The best strategy, though, is to avoid gum disease altogether. You can substantially lower your infection risk by brushing and flossing daily and getting a dental cleaning every six months. Dental visits also allow us to check your gums for any signs of infection that might require prompt action.

A loose tooth for a kid is a cause for celebration. It's the exact opposite for an adult loose tooth. Taking care of your gums with daily hygiene and receiving prompt treatment for any emerging infection could help you avoid it.

If you would like more information on treating gum disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “When Permanent Teeth Become Loose.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble

By Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
February 22, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: loose tooth  
ALooseToothisaSignofDeeperDentalTrouble

A loose primary (“baby”) tooth is often a cause for celebration. A loose permanent tooth, however, is a cause for concern. A permanent tooth shouldn't even wiggle.

If you have a loose tooth, it's likely you have a deeper dental problem. Here are the top underlying causes for loose teeth.

Gum disease. Teeth are held in place by an elastic tissue called the periodontal ligament. But advanced periodontal (gum) disease, a bacterial infection usually caused by film buildup on teeth called dental plaque, can damage the ligament and cause it to detach. If it's not treated, it could lead to tooth loss.

Bite-related trauma. A normal bite helps balance out the forces generated when we chew so they don't damage the teeth. But if a misaligned tooth protrudes higher from the jaw, the opposing tooth will likely create more downward pressure on it while chewing. This can stress the tooth's supporting ligament to the point of looseness.

Self-inflicted trauma. While they may be trendy, tongue jewelry can cause dental damage. A wearer who clicks the “barbell” of a tongue stud against their teeth could be creating conditions conducive for gum damage and bone loss, which can cause tooth looseness. Similarly, taking orthodontics into your own hands could also damage your teeth, especially if you have undiagnosed gum disease.

Genetics. Although you can't prevent it, the type of resistance or susceptibility you inherited from your parents (as well as your dental anatomy) can cause you dental problems. Thinner gum tissues, especially around the roots, can make you more susceptible to gum disease or dental trauma, which in turn could contribute to tooth looseness.

There are things you can do to lessen your chance of loose teeth. Brush and floss every day to remove disease-causing bacterial plaque and see a dentist regularly for cleanings to reduce your risk of gum disease. If you have any misaligned teeth, consult with an orthodontist about possible treatment. And avoid oral jewelry and DIY orthodontics.

If you do notice a loose tooth, see us as soon as possible. We'll need to diagnose the underlying cause and create a treatment plan for it. We may also need to splint the tooth to its neighbors to stabilize it and reduce your risk of losing it permanently.

If you would like more information on tooth mobility, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “When Permanent Teeth Become Loose.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

See Your Dentist ASAP to Save Your Loose Tooth

By Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
May 08, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: loose tooth  
SeeYourDentistASAPtoSaveYourLooseTooth

A loose adult tooth isn't normal. It could be loose because it's been subjected to high biting forces like those that occur with a tooth grinding habit. Or, it could be the result of periodontal (gum) disease or some other infection that has weakened some of the tooth's supporting gums and bone. Whatever the underlying cause, we'll need to act quickly to save your tooth.

Our first step is to find out this exact cause—that will determine what treatment course we need to follow. For a tooth grinding habit, for example, you might need to wear an occlusal guard or have your bite (teeth) adjusted. With gum disease, we'll focus on removing dental plaque, the thin film of bacteria and tartar (calculus) fueling the infection. This stops the infection and minimizes any further damage.

While we're treating the cause, we may also need to secure the loose tooth with splinting. This is a group of techniques used to join loose teeth to more stable neighboring teeth, similar to connecting pickets in a fence. Splinting can be either temporary or permanent.

Temporary splinting usually involves composite materials with or without strips of metal to bond the loose tooth to its neighbors as the periodontal structures heal. Once the tooth's natural attachments return to health, we may then remove the splint.

There are a couple of basic techniques we can use for temporary splinting. One way is to bond the splint material to the enamel across the loose tooth and the teeth chosen to support it (extra-coronal splinting). We can also cut a small channel across all the affected teeth and then insert metal ligatures and bond the splint material within the channel (intra-coronal).

If we're not confident the loose tooth will regain its natural gum attachment, we would then consider a permanent splint. The most prominent method involves crowning the loose tooth and supporting teeth with porcelain crowns. We then fuse the crowns together to create the needed stability for the loose teeth.

Whatever splinting method we use, it's important to always address the root cause for a tooth's looseness. That's why splinting usually accompanies other treatments. Splinting loose teeth will help ensure your overall treatment is successful.

If you would like more information on treating loose teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Treatment for Loose Teeth.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink


Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • January (3)
        • You Don't Need to Pass a Football Like Patrick Mahomes to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth
        • Could a Dental Bridge Be a Better Choice Than Implants?
        • How to Ensure Your Child's Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy Now and Later
  • 2020
      • December (4)
        • When To Replace a Dental Crown or Bridge
        • This Odd Tongue Condition Isn't Something To Fret Over
        • The Importance of Preventive Dental Care
        • Vivica Fox and Zendaya Have This in Common: A Gorgeous Smile
      • November (3)
        • How to Avoid This Painful Condition After Tooth Extraction
        • Direct Veneers Offer a Quick and Affordable Alternative to Traditional Veneers
        • A Mild NSAID May Be All You Need To Manage Discomfort After Dental Work
      • October (3)
        • Zac Efron's Smile Transformation Could Happen to You
        • 4 Tips To Make Dental Care Easier for Children With Special Needs
        • Keep Your Child's Fluoride Intake at a Safe but Effective Level
      • September (3)
        • 3 Ways We Can Improve a Smile Affected by Unformed Teeth
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
        • Lingual Braces Might be a Better Fit for Your Active Lifestyle
      • August (3)
        • Call the Dentist Immediately If You Have a Loose Tooth
        • Mouth Breathing Can Lead to Serious Oral Problems, Especially for Children
        • NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
      • July (5)
        • Enjoy Your Ice Cream - But Just a Little for Your Dental Health's Sake
        • Even All-Natural Fruit Juices Could Raise Your Child's Risk for Tooth Decay
        • Use This Product to Check Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
        • What Are Veneers?
        • Why Kathy Bates Chose This Alternative to Braces and so Might You
      • June (4)
        • Exciting New Discovery Could Help in the Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance
        • That Odd 'Lacy' Mouth Sore is No Cause for Alarm
        • Tooth-Colored Fillings Restore Damaged Teeth
        • What Really Happens During a Root Canal Treatment
      • May (3)
        • Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
        • Porcelain Veneers Could Change Your Smile and Your Life!
        • Why Is Your Smile Gummy? Here Are 4 Possibilities
      • April (4)
        • 4 Things You Can Do to Avoid Damage From Gum Recession
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
        • Restore Smile With Dental Implants
        • Avoid Becoming a Dental Injury Statistic - Get a Custom Mouthguard for Your Young Athlete
      • March (4)
        • Extracting a Tooth is a Routine Procedure
        • 4 Things that can Cause Gum Recession and What to do About Them
        • How Crowns and Bridges Can Help Your Smile
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
      • February (4)
        • A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble
        • How Root Canals Can Help Soothe Your Pain
        • 3 Things You Should Do to Avoid Harm From Gum Disease
        • You Don't Have to Live With Uncomfortable Cracked Mouth Corners
      • January (3)
        • How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
        • These 4 Habits Could Help You Avoid Gum Disease
        • Follow the Fast-Food Lead: Cut Back Sodas in Your Child's Diet
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Certain Osteoporosis Drugs Could Pose a Future Risk to Your Dental Health
        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • Your Smile Can Be Your Passport to the World - Take Care of It With These Tips
      • November (4)
        • 3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Crown Restoration
        • The Versatility of Dental Crowns
        • New "Behind the Teeth" Braces Could Give You the Advantage of "Invisibility"
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
      • October (3)
        • Implant Failure Is Rare, but Possible. Here Are a Few Ways to Avoid It
        • 3 Reasons Why Correcting a Poor Bite Is Worthwhile at Any Age
        • How to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk From Halloween Candy
      • September (3)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Your Dentist Might Hold the Key to Solving Your Sleep Apnea Problem
        • Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
      • August (3)
        • "Tooth, Heal Thyself" May Soon Be a Reality
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • To Extract or not Extract? The Big Decision About Your Child's Wisdom Teeth
      • July (4)
        • Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants
        • Taking a Trip Abroad? Do This to Protect Your Dental Health
        • How Early Dental Visits Can Improve Your Child's Oral Health
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
      • June (4)
        • Crown Lengthening Could Help with Treating Hard to Reach Cavities
        • Not So Fast Replacing That Tooth - Consider Saving it First
        • As Summer Heats Up, Be on Your Guard for Tooth Injuries
        • Signs You May Need a Tooth Extracted
      • May (3)
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Root Canal Therapy Might Just Save Your Tooth!
        • See Your Dentist ASAP to Save Your Loose Tooth
      • April (3)
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
      • March (4)
        • Replacing a Back Tooth May Help You Avoid Future Dental Problems
        • Beat Dental Plaque While Wearing Braces with These Tools and Tips
        • FAQs About Veneers
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • February (3)
        • Correcting a Poor Bite Improves Dental Health as Well as Smile Appearance
        • We may Need to Build up the Bone in Your Jaw before Implants
        • Recessed Gums Could Endanger Your Teeth
      • January (4)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Have Tooth Pain? A Root Canal Might Be Right for You
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Monitoring Your Child's Thumb Sucking Could Help Avoid Future Bite Problems
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • 3 Things You Might Notice with Your Child's Teeth That Need a Dentist
      • November (4)
        • Orthodontists Anticipate Future Facial Growth When Treating Poor Bites
        • A Stainless Steel Crown Could Help a Struggling Primary Molar Last Longer
        • Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • October (3)
        • How to Reduce Tooth White Spots While Wearing Braces
        • Good Oral Hygiene Isn't Just for Teeth
        • Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
      • September (4)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
        • How Oral Cancer Screenings Can Save Your Smile
        • Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
      • August (4)
        • Back to School Do's and Don'ts
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Oral Hygiene isn't Easy with Braces - but it's Still Doable
        • Address Your Teeth Grinding Habit Early to Avoid Potential Tooth Loss
      • July (4)
        • How Dental Crowns Help Your Smile
        • We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Cleaning Around Implants Crucial to Protecting Them from Loss
      • June (4)
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • 3 Common Causes for Chronic Dry Mouth and What You can do About It
        • Signs You May Need a Root Canal
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • May (3)
        • Thumb Sucking One of Many Factors to Consider When Treating a Poor Bite
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
        • See How Well You're Removing Daily Plaque with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
      • April (2)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
      • March (3)
        • Need a Root Canal? Here's a Step-by-Step Guide on What to Expect
        • The Importance of Professional Cleanings
        • Prompt Treatment for Gum Disease Could Ultimately Save Your Teeth
      • February (3)
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Antibiotics Could Help Ensure your Implant Surgery is Successful
        • A Root Canal Treatment can Save Your Tooth and Relieve Pain
      • January (3)
        • New Year's Resolutions You Can Keep
        • What Veneers Can Do for Your Smile
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • Boost Your Overall Health by Reducing Gum Inflammation
      • November (3)
        • Diabetes and Oral Health
        • Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
      • October (2)
        • Take Steps to Reduce Mouth Acid and Avoid Dental Erosion
        • Chronic Dry Mouth Could be Increasing Your Risk of Dental Disease
      • September (3)
        • Oral Health Concerns for Preteens
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • What are Dental Implants?
      • August (3)
        • Tooth-Healthy Tips for a Summer Barbecue
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • 4 Situations Where a Crown Could Improve an Existing Tooth
      • July (3)
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
        • Reasons You Might Need A Dental Crown
        • Avoid These 4 Health Problems with One Simple Denture Practice
      • June (2)
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • Teens with Missing Teeth may need a Temporary Fix Until They're Older
      • May (3)
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Don't Neglect Your Flossing Habit
        • A Bonded Retainer Could be a Preferred Choice over a Removable One
      • April (2)
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Lasers Beginning to Change Some Root Canal Procedures
      • March (4)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • Even if a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Could Save your Tooth
        • The Many Uses for Porcelain Veneers
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • February (1)
        • Get an Early Start Treating Root Resorption Before it's Too Late
      • January (4)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • What Causes Bad Breath?
        • A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • A Retainer Helps You Keep Your New Smile After Braces
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • November (3)
        • Don't Let an Eating Disorder Wreck Oral Health
        • So, What's a Dental Implant?
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • October (3)
        • Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • Implants can Support a Total Tooth Replacement Restoration
      • September (3)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Root Canals: No Pain and Lots to Gain
        • Dentures Still an Effective Restoration for Total Tooth Loss
      • August (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A New Approach to Preventing and Treating Decay
      • July (3)
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • Get Your Smile Back With Dental Implants
        • 4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea
      • June (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
      • May (3)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
        • What Are Crowns and Bridges?
      • April (3)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • March (3)
        • Erosion and Other Problems may be Signs of Bulimia
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • Welcome To Our Blog

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (50)
  • oral hygiene (18)
  • oral health (21)
  • bulimia (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • gum disease (8)
  • Crowns (6)
  • Bridges (2)
  • medication (1)
  • cosmetic dentistry (9)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • tooth decay (6)
  • dental implants (14)
  • restorative dentistry (5)
  • tooth loss (1)
  • braces (7)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • dentures (3)
  • Root Canals (2)
  • wisdom teeth (5)
  • tooth extraction (2)
  • porcelain veneers (4)
  • orthodontics (3)
  • veneers (6)
  • partial denture (2)
  • bad breath (1)
  • teeth grinding (2)
  • root resorption (1)
  • apioectomy (1)
  • chipped tooth (2)
  • mouthguards (4)
  • root canal treatment (7)
  • laser dentistry (2)
  • orthodontic treatment (14)
  • bonded retainer (1)
  • missing teeth (2)
  • thumb sucking (3)
  • nutrition (4)
  • pediatric dentistry (10)
  • dry mouth (2)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • diabetes (1)
  • root canal (3)
  • antibiotics (2)
  • periodontal surgery (1)
  • Professional Cleanings (1)
  • flossing (1)
  • periodontist (1)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • dental crowns (2)
  • Oral Cancer Screening (1)
  • Oral Cancer (2)
  • jaw pain (1)
  • tmj disorders (1)
  • teeth whitening (2)
  • crown (2)
  • toothache (2)
  • dental injury (3)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • apicoectomy (1)
  • gum recession (3)
  • bone grafting (2)
  • bridge (2)
  • loose tooth (3)
  • tooth pain (1)
  • crown lengthening (1)
  • dental implant (3)
  • sleep apnea (1)
  • snoring (1)
  • retainers (1)
  • lingual braces (2)
  • smile makeover (1)
  • osteoporosis (1)
  • tooth extractions (1)
  • gummy smile (1)
  • Damaged Teeth (1)
  • Tooth-Colored Fillings (1)
  • mouth sore (1)
  • clear aligners (1)
  • fluoride (1)
  • dental care (2)
  • dry socket (1)
  • Preventive Dental Care (1)
  • Dental Crown (1)
  • bridgework (1)

Categories:

  • Oral Health (82)
  • Dental Procedures (99)
  • Cosmetic Dentistry (1)
 
 
 
New Patient Forms
 
CareCredit - Apply nowApply Now
 
 

Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Reviews

Our Location

McDonough, GA Dentist
Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
70 Westridge Parkway, Suite 200
McDonough, GA 30253
(678) 583-0330
dentist Call For Pricing

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Offices
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Dentist Web Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map