Children have it easy. When a kid loses a tooth, they get a new one for free. But when you lose a tooth? There’s a good chance it’s gone until you visit a cosmetic dentist in Logan, UT (or somewhere nearer to you, if it’s more convenient).
There are three types of loose tooth scenarios: naturally loose baby tooth, injured loose baby tooth, and loose permanent (i.e. adult) tooth. Let’s cover all our bases, and tell you when it’s okay to pull a loose tooth – and when it isn’t.
Is It Okay to Pull a Naturally Loose Baby Tooth?
If you’re raising a child, then they’ll probably lose their first tooth at 5 or 6 years old. It may happen a year sooner or later – still perfectly healthy either way.
If your child has just received their first loose tooth, then you may wonder how long it’s going to take before making its final exit. Truth is, it’s unpredictable. The tooth could fall out on its own tomorrow. It could also hang on for a few weeks.
When a baby tooth has loosened naturally, it’s best to let nature take its course. Even when it wobbles, a baby tooth still promotes healthy development of growing permanent teeth. For that reason, we don’t advise pulling out a baby tooth until it’s (A) extremely loose, and (B) not painful to the touch. If pulling a tooth causes pain, then it is still rooted to the jawbone.
Don’t worry. You’ll be able to have your tooth-pulling fun soon enough. We’re a fan of tying one end of a string to the tooth, tying the other end to the family dog, and letting a frisbee toss take care of the rest.
Is It Okay to Pull an Injured Loose Baby Tooth?
Unfortunately, not all baby teeth get the chance to fall out on their own. Sports, rough play and carelessness must have claimed millions of baby teeth by this point. Periodontal disease, which affects half of all children, can cause infection that leads to tooth loss. Several childhood illnesses can lead to early tooth loss as well.
If physical trauma has loosened your child’s baby tooth, give it a chance to reattach itself. Natural tooth reattachment is usually complete within three to four weeks, though it may take as long as two months. If your child’s tooth doesn’t reattach – or if it was knocked free from the jaw on impact – then implanting it is inadvisable. Doing so could impair healthy development of permanent teeth.
Make certain to take your child to the family dentist if their baby tooth falls out prematurely. After taking an X-ray and performing an oral exam, your dentist will determine whether orthodontic intervention (such as a space maintainer) is necessary to prevent future dental issues such as crowding or shifting teeth.
Is It Okay to Pull a Loose Permanent Tooth?
Amazingly, natural tooth reattachment isn’t exclusive to children. Adults have this healing ability as well, which is why a loose tooth isn’t necessarily a lost one. If an injury has given one of your pearly whites a wobble, do not pull it out. Give it a chance to reattach itself. With any luck, time will heal that wound.
If an injury has loosened your tooth to such a degree that you suspect it cannot heal on its own, visit your dentist immediately. They may be able to prevent it from falling out by attaching a splint, which temporarily suspends the tooth in place so it can correctly reattach itself.
If an injury has knocked out your tooth completely, then it may still be salvageable. Locate the tooth immediately. Pick it up without touching its root. Submerge the tooth in milk, or your own saliva. Do not submerge it in water. Seek emergency dental care at once – ideally in less than 60 minutes. If the tooth is still alive on arrival, then your dentist may be able to implant it.
If your permanent tooth cannot be implanted, never fear. A dental bridge can fully restore your beautiful smile!
Do you need expert help with anything tooth-related? Contact All About Teeth today to schedule an examination or request emergency assistance at our clinic in Logan, UT!
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