How Long It Takes For a Tooth to Fall Out
A loose, wobbly tooth is one of the most triggering and worrying experiences for any adult. Patients are sometimes in a panic about what will happen next, and it’s understandable.
Loose teeth are not a problem that only affects children; they can be pretty common in adulthood for several reasons.
But just because your tooth is loose does not always mean it will fall out.
Sometimes, a loose tooth can tighten back up only if addressed promptly by visiting a dentist.
Patients should be aware that if the issue persists or worsens, they can expect their tooth to fall out within weeks.
Book an emergency appointment online with our London dentists.
Learn more about loose teeth
As experts in missing teeth, we’ll delve into this article, examining the causes of loose teeth in adults, their symptoms, timelines, stages, and what can be done to save or replace the tooth if it falls out.
Symptoms of a loose tooth
- The tooth feels loose or wobbly
- The moves when touched or eating
- Pain/discomfort around surrounding gums
- Swelling/inflammation in the gum tissues
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Changes to your bite
- Shift in how teeth fit together
Call 020 7928 4474 to speak with our expert team at Mint Dental Clinic in Elephant & Castle, London. Get the answers and treatment you need before it becomes a bigger issue.
If your tooth feels loose or wobbly
It could be weeks before it falls out, often naturally on its own.
Patients should not force the tooth out of its position or wobble it frequently; instead, they should let the process conclude on its own.
However, if you’re also experiencing other signs and symptoms, such as swelling and redness around the gums, which indicate an active infection, it’s best to book an emergency appointment with our dentists to ensure the infection doesn’t get out of control or spread to other teeth.
Patients can book an appointment with a dentist to safely extract a tooth for £195.
We might even be able to replace the tooth simultaneously by implanting a dental implant.
Causes for loose teeth in adults
As restorative dentists, we understand that identifying the cause of loose teeth in adulthood is crucial for effectively managing and treating the issue, as well as preventing it from recurring in other teeth. There are several reasons why a tooth might suddenly become loose…
Gum disease:
When patients progress from the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) to more severe forms, such as periodontitis, the tissues supporting the teeth can become weakened, leading to tooth mobility and, in its most advanced stage, tooth loss.
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults because it can lead to a range of oral problems, including deep triangular pockets between teeth, which cause the gums to recede and the teeth to become unstable.
Trauma:
Trauma to the tooth is an apparent cause for its appearance. Accidents, injuries or repetitive trauma to the same affected area can cause a tooth to loosen.
Poor oral hygiene:
Failure to maintain high oral health standards can lead to the accumulation of plaque and tartar in the mouth, resulting in gum disease and tooth decay. When left ignored, these conditions contribute to tooth loss.
Bruxism:
Patients who grind their teeth exert additional and excessive forces on the teeth, which can cause them to loosen over time.
Other causes of loose teeth include medical conditions that can directly and indirectly affect oral health, contributing to tooth loss.
How long does it take for a loose tooth to fall out?
The duration it takes for a loose tooth to fall out depends on several factors, such as the severity of looseness, the reason behind the wobbly tooth, and the overall state of oral health.
However, on average, patients can typically expect a loose tooth to fall out within a few weeks to a few months, where it will come out naturally.
Studies have found that patients with periodontal disease and a loose tooth typically take an average of 6.8 months for the tooth to fall out.
Take advantage of a free consultation
If you’re interested in replacing your tooth with dental implants and would like to visit our London clinic, we’d be happy to offer a complimentary consultation.
You can book by calling 020 7928 4474 or online by selecting ‘Complementary Implant Consultation‘ (£25 deposit to secure appointment, refundable on the day).
How to stabilise a loose tooth
Helping a tooth tighten back up depends on why it came loose.
You can strengthen your oral condition by managing and treating your gum disease and practising good oral hygiene.
The same can be said for bruxism, where patients can wear a night guard or a Michigan Splint to manage their condition and promote tooth tightening.
That said, not all loose teeth tighten back up, and professional dental intervention is required to determine whether a tooth can be saved or needs to be extracted and replaced.
Explore all the ways you can replace a missing tooth.
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