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Depending upon a patient's age, current stage of overal dentition development and oral health status, loose teeth can be normal...... or abnormal.
Normal Tooth Loosening: Children
For young children (infants and toddlers) having a loose tooth or two is a normal developmental event as primary teeth loosen and fall out to make room for secondary teeth.
In some cases the event of a tooth NOT loosening at an appropriate time for a youngster can cause secondary teeth to erupt BEHIND the baby tooth. In these instances, a periodontist can be an excellent resource for removing the unwanted tooth and "moving" the secondary tooth into the desired position... all done without braces (click here to find a Periodontist).
Normal Teeth Loosening: Teens - Preteens - Young Adults
Young patients who experience a loose tooth symptom (not related to trauma) may be developing developmental issues that are primarily orthodontic. Teeth that have erupted and developed in a fashion that results in rotated, tilted or crooked tooth can cause lateral pressures upon one or more opposing teeth.
Over time, these lateral forces can cause teeth to easily loosen.
In situations where an odd occlusal event is not immediately obvious but the loose tooth symptom is..... the use of a Tekscan bite analysis device can provide a precise assessment of occlusal or bite forces operating across the entire jaw and for each individual tooth (click here to watch a video of the T-Scan III).
More Causes: Adults
1. Untreated Orthodontic Needs
2. Periodontal Disease (periodontitis)
3. Loose Crowns
4. Loose Implants
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