What Happens If You Lose an Adult Tooth?

If you think tooth loss can’t happen to you, think again.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults between the ages of 35-44 years old, 69 percent have lost at least one adult tooth.  There are many reasons why tooth loss can occur as an adult, such as trauma, periodontal disease, tooth decay, just to name a few.  We will look more closely at each of these reasons in this article. We will also determine what to do after a tooth falls out.

What to Do If Your Tooth Falls Out?

If the crown portion (the part of the tooth you can see in your mouth) of your tooth has fallen out, save it. Immediately call to make an appointment with your dentist. If it is a restoration called a dental crown (tooth crown), it may be able to be re-cemented. If it’s part of a filling or part of a broken tooth that fell out, you may need a more extensive procedure. Depending on how much of the tooth fell out and whether the root portion of the tooth is loose, will make a difference in whether the tooth can be saved or not. The quicker you’re able to get to the dentist, the more likely that the tooth can be saved.

If the entire tooth (including the root) falls out, this is considered a dental emergency. You will have the best chance of saving the tooth if you can get to your dentist within 30 minutes of losing the tooth. Please follow these steps:

1. Locate the tooth that fell out but only hold it by the crown of the tooth to avoid damaging it.
2. Rinse it with only cool water. Do not scrub your tooth or use cleaners on it. If there is tissue still attached or hanging from the tooth after it fell out, do not scrub that tissue off.
3. Put the tooth back into the socket where it came out and gently bite on gauze until you can get to your dentist.
4. If you’re unable to put the tooth back into the socket, place it in a cup of milk to keep it moist.
5. Call your dentist. To increase the chances of saving your tooth, you will want to see your dentist within 30 minutes of losing the tooth.

How to Save a Loose Tooth from Falling Out?

Another reason you may have a loose adult tooth is due to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria destroying the bone around your teeth causing them to become loose. You can avoid periodontal disease by:

1. Visit your dentist at least 2 times a year for cleanings and exams.
2. Brushing 2 times a day for 2 minutes each time with a fluoridated toothpaste.
3. Flossing 1 time per day.
4. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash daily.

If it’s determined by a dental professional that the reason that your tooth is loose is due to periodontal disease, you may need to have a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planning (also known as “deep cleaning”). Periodontal scaling and root planning involve removing bacteria and build-up that has occurred above and below the gum line around your teeth and smoothing the root surfaces, so new bacteria cannot adhere. This process will allow your gums to heal and attach more firmly to your tooth and prevent the tooth from feeling loose or falling out.

What Happens When a Tooth Falls Out?

If your adult tooth falls out and can’t be fixed or put back into your mouth, you may need a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. A dental implant is placed into the bone to replace the tooth that fell out. It will function and look like a natural tooth. If you have decided that a dental implant is a right choice for you to replace your missing tooth, these are the steps that you will follow:

1. A bone graft material may need to be placed where the tooth was lost. This material will help give a strong foundation for the dental implant to be placed into. The bone graft will take up to 3 months to heal before a dental implant can be placed.
2. The dental implant will be placed into the bone. This will take 3-4 months to heal before the crown portion of the implant can be placed.
3. The dental implant is scanned and the crown portion of the implant is fabricated.

What does a Tooth Look Like When It Falls Out?

What a tooth looks like when it falls out depends on whether the entire tooth fell out or a portion of the tooth fell out. If the entire tooth fell out, you will be able to see the crown portion and root portion of the tooth. If only part of the tooth fell out, it may be harder to determine what it is. It may be a piece of filling or a piece of a broken tooth. Save whatever it is and your dentist will be able to help you determine the next best course of treatment.

Can a Tooth Fall Out While Sleeping?

Although it is unlikely, it could happen. That’s why it is important to avoid risk factors associated with losing adult teeth. These risk factors include:

1. Dental tooth decay – getting regular dental cleaning and examinations can help you avoid dental tooth decay.
2. Periodontal disease – good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help to avoid getting periodontal disease.
3. Trauma – some sports require physical contact – a sports mouthguard should always be worn when playing these types of contact sports.

I Hit My Tooth Really Hard: Will It Fall Out?

If you hit your tooth hard enough that it is loose, there is a chance that it may fall out. Sometimes a tooth can feel loose after the trauma but tighten back up shortly thereafter. Anytime you have tooth trauma you should contact your dentist immediately, they will be best to determine whether your tooth will fall out.

Conclusion

Tooth loss or loose teeth can happen to anyone. The most important thing you can do is contact your dentist right away to determine the best course of action for you.

If you have lost an adult tooth or have a loose tooth, the caring and friendly dental team at Living Well Dental Group can help. Call today to schedule an appointment.