I’ve had periodontal disease, but now have it under control. There is no more bleeding or anything. My dentist says we’re over the danger. However, I have a tooth in the front that is coming loose and has gotten a little longer than my other teeth. My dentist has recommended I get a dental implant for that one, but I wondered if there was a way to put a splint on it and push the tooth back up?
Mary P. from Kansas City.
Mary,
A tooth that is a little loose and getting longer than the other teeth (extrusion) can be treated, especially because your gum disease is under control. The tooth cannot be pushed back in, but if your adjacent teeth are strong and your gum disease completely under control, you can stabilize your tooth so it doesn’t continue to drift. Afterwards, that tooth can be re-shaped to blend in with the other teeth.
Once they are splinted, you will need to get a special floss threader to floss between those teeth. Be especially diligent about your dental hygiene with a splint, because otherwise your gum disease will return and you could not only loose that tooth, but many others.
If your gum disease isn’t as stable as you originally thought, than a splint won’t be possible and you’ll probably lose that tooth. If that happens, then a dental implant will be a good option. Depending on the condition of the adjacent teeth, you might want to also look into a dental bridge.
This blog is brought to you by Seattle dentist Dr. Brain McKay.
Learn More About General Dentistry