Loose Teeth

At Bernstein Dental Care in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood, our patients can count on us for their urgent dental needs. Make no mistake: if a permanent tooth has come loose, the need for repair is urgent, and the problem will only get worse without intervention.


Loose teeth are the result of trauma to the gum and jaw bone structures. Primary occlusal trauma is the term used to describe damage from stress, such as night-time teeth grinding or violence. Secondary occlusal trauma occurs when a gum infection has eroded significant gum and bone tissue. Secondary occlusal trauma is more common, but primary occlusal trauma is a major reason why bruxism needs to be prevented.


The teeth depend on each other to reinforce the jaw bone. The loss of one tooth root destabilizes the others, causing them to come loose, as well. This effect is even worse if the loose tooth is a molar and the patient attempts to compensate by chewing with their front teeth. The front teeth do not have the support to withstand this much force even when they are healthy. However, if trauma is caught in time, it may be possible to save teeth. If not, it may still be possible to replace them with implants.


Dr. Paul Bernstein runs Bernstein Dental Care at 350 91st St, Suite 1C, Brooklyn, New York, 11209. To schedule an appointment, visit Bernstein Dental Care or call 718-833-9191.


 

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