FAQs
Most parents ask what should be done with a loose tooth? At Kitsap Kid's Dentistry, we believe it is better for a loose tooth to come out on its own, if it can. Removing a tooth early can be uncomfortable for the child and has an infection risk for the soft tissues and gums.
What to do if a child's permanent tooth is loose? ›
If a tooth is knocked loose, call your dentist for advice on how to proceed. He or she will likely advise your child to eat a soft diet for the next few days to allow the tooth to re-implant into the jawbone. Depending on the injury's severity, your dentist may also suggest an x-ray.
Should I take my child to the dentist for a loose tooth? ›
If your child has a tooth that becomes loose “out of order” (a back tooth loosening before any front teeth have come out), or it seems too early for your child to be losing a tooth, play it safe by taking your child to the dentist. A quick exam can determine whether there's any reason to worry.
What can you do for a child with a wobbly tooth? ›
To Pull or Not to Pull a Loose Tooth
If your child falls into the former group and would like a helping hand, the ADA recommends trying a method that will allow you to pull the tooth safely: take a tissue, put it over the tooth, and gently squeeze it. This usually helps the tooth come out without a hitch.
Can a dentist do anything for a loose tooth? ›
As your gums heal, they will tighten around the loose tooth. So, if you have a loose tooth, don't panic. Contact your dentist for an immediate appointment. There is a possibility that your dentist may be able to save your loose tooth using a dental splint or clean your gums so they can reseal the tooth.
Should a child's loose tooth be pulled? ›
The fact is that you should allow the tooth to come out on its own. Even if the loose tooth is stressing your child or causing sensitivity, it is better to wait instead of forcing it out.
Is a loose permanent tooth an emergency? ›
Before anything else, you should get in touch with your emergency dentist to schedule an appointment. A loose permanent tooth needs to be treated as soon as possible, ideally within 12 to 24 hours. The sooner your dentist can see you, the more likely it is that you'll be able to save the tooth in question.
Can a child's loose tooth tighten back up? ›
In less severe cases, a tooth can become a little loose but can then reattach itself completely without dying. If your child's mouth is healthy and they get bumped or hit in the mouth causing their tooth to become wiggly, the tooth can reattach over a short period of time.
How do you fix a loose tooth without going to the dentist? ›
7 Home Remedies to Strengthen Loose Teeth
- Avoid eating hard foods and brushing your teeth vigorously, as this can worsen the problem.
- Gargle with a mixture of warm water and salt to reduce inflammation.
- Use an interdental brush to clean between teeth and remove plaque.
If a tooth has been loose for longer than a few weeks, consider a visit to the dentist. This is rare, but it can happen that a baby tooth takes a month or so to fall out naturally, but if it's been too much longer than that, a dentist may be able to provide some insight.
On average, the Tooth Fairy leaves around $5, but some kids may receive up to $20 for a single tooth or an exceptional tooth. Some families may give a larger amount for the first tooth lost, while others may opt for non-monetary gifts such as stickers or toys.
What happens if you lose a permanent tooth as a kid? ›
There are three common solutions for missing adult teeth in children. To start, you may be able to preserve the primary or baby tooth if it has not already fallen out. You can also replace the missing tooth structure using an implant or dental bridge. Finally, the open space can be closed orthodontically.
How to stabilize a loose tooth at home? ›
Stabilizing loose teeth at home can be challenging, so seeking immediate professional attention is crucial when experiencing loose teeth. However, you can try home remedies like saltwater gargling or massaging with turmeric and black pepper to tighten loose teeth.
How much does it cost to splint a tooth? ›
Procedure Details
On MDsave, the cost of a Splint Application ranges from $75 to $323.
Will a loose tooth eventually fall out? ›
More often than not, loose teeth fall out on their own without any sort of pain. However, there are some cases in which it makes sense to pull a loose tooth.
Can a shaky tooth be saved? ›
Teeth that are loose due to internal damage or infection may be able to be saved with endodontic treatment. The most common endodontic treatment for a loose tooth is a root canal. The procedure treats an infected tooth by removing the dental pulp and all of the infected tissue from the inside of the tooth.
What happens if a child loses a permanent tooth? ›
If they lose a permanent tooth, your best bet is to save the tooth and bring it along immediately to the dentist, where there is a chance they can repair or replace it. Alternatively, they can have a tooth implant placed instead, which will require a consultation with your pediatric or family dentist.
Will a loose permanent tooth eventually fall out? ›
More often than not, loose teeth fall out on their own without any sort of pain. However, there are some cases in which it makes sense to pull a loose tooth.
What happens if a kid knocks a permanent tooth loose? ›
Tooth Knocked Loose:
Usually needs no treatment whether it is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. Sometimes, if it is quite loose, we might place a splint to hold it in place while it heals. This looks kind of like braces that are worn for a few weeks. The outcome is usually good.
