“Adult tooth is loose. What should I do?”

Question

Dentist Questions Sports Injuries

“Adult tooth is loose. What should I do?”

I got hit during baseball and now one of my teeth is loose. What should I do? Is there any way to prevent it from falling out or further damage?

98 Answers

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**Dr. Lawrence M. Bodenstein** Dentist Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey · Accepted Answer

Dr. Lawrence M. Bodenstein Dentist Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey

When you have trauma like you did, you should immediately go to a dentist and have the area evaluated. There are multiple reasons why they could be loose, do see a dentist before they tooth gets worse.

**Theodore D. Stomel** Dentist Tarzana, CA · Accepted Answer

Theodore D. Stomel Dentist Tarzana, CA

The tooth may be loose due to a root fracture, or just trauma to the bone. Depending on age and oral health, you may want to have the tooth splinted to an adjacent tooth. Stabilization could promote healing.

**Dr. Dana M. Jackson** Dentist Shreveport, Louisiana · Accepted Answer

Dr. Dana M. Jackson Dentist Shreveport, Louisiana

Hello,

It depends on how long it has been and what the radiograph shows. You must see a dentist to evaluate it to know for certain what is going on. Already loose usually leads to extraction.

**Dr. Paul Michael Lanzisera** Dentist Colorado Springs, Colorado · Accepted Answer

Dr. Paul Michael Lanzisera Dentist Colorado Springs, Colorado

Maybe can stabilize it; and time will tell if it needs further treatment.

**Dr. Anthony Pinadella** Dentist Clifton, NJ · Accepted Answer

Dr. Anthony Pinadella Dentist Clifton, NJ

Go see your dentist immediately! The impact may have caused the loosening, you may need certain procedures to help facilitate the stabilization and possibly not have to loose your tooth. I hope you can save your tooth.

**Dr. Patty Martin** Dentist Walla Walla, Washington · Accepted Answer

I would get to a dentist for an x-ray and evaluation. There are several classifications of 'loose' tooth, along with different causes, and different end results. You also didn't mention if the tooth was broken/chipped and which tooth is in question, which can change the scenario as well. When trauma has occurred, often timing is very critical. In the best case scenario, the tooth gets stabilized (from a dentist with a splint) and no further treatment is needed. Sometimes with blunt trauma, the tooth dies, either at the time of trauma or weeks to months to years later, necessitating a root canal. Worse case scenario, the root of the tooth is cracked, the tooth is beyond repair, and the only option is to take the tooth out. Hopefully, your tooth is not too wiggly and tightens up, but with the other potential worst-case scenarios I would follow up with a professional ASAP.

**Robert H. Walton** Dentist Pickering, Ontario · Accepted Answer

Certainly the first and most important advice I can give you is to avoid coarse food and biting and chewing directly on the affected tooth. Visit your dentist to have a periapical xray. This can show if there is a root fracture. You can can also have a electric pulp test to see if the tooth is still vital (alive). This will determine if it a wait and see situation or whether immediate treatment is needed avoid additional pain and suffering

**Dr. Craig Stephen Wilson** Dentist Old Saybrook, CT · Accepted Answer

Dr. Craig Stephen Wilson Dentist Old Saybrook, CT

See your dentist ASAP. It could be a fractured root or a fracture of the bony housing of the tooth. Only by a direct examination can it be determined if you can preserve your tooth or not.

**Dr. Nicholas G. Rendon** Dentist Vero Beach, FL · Accepted Answer

I apologize for such a late response. I hope that you have been able to get some dental advice for this problem. I would like to say first that you should seek dental help as it may be the only way to prevent the tooth from being lost. It is generally believed that the sooner you seek treatment after such a traumatic injury the better the chance is to save the tooth. Without a clinical examination and xray of the area it is difficult if not impossible to give you advice. the tooth may have been partially if not completely avulsed due to displacement from it's socket or even the root may be fractured causing the looseness. Depending on what has happened it may be just a waiting game to see how the tooth responds in time, or on the other hand the tooth amy need to be removed and replaced. Please make an appointment , if you have not already, with a licensed dentist as soon as you are able.

**Drew Shulman** Dentist Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Accepted Answer

Drew Shulman Dentist Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

You should see a dentist ASAP. The longer you wait, the greater chance you will have of loosing the tooth.

**Glenn E. Lockwood** Dentist · Accepted Answer

If it is too loose you should get in to a dentists office to have it looked at. If it lines up ok, it may heal on it's own if it isn't moving every time you bite down. If it is too loose, you may need a type of stint or splint that keeps the tooth in line with a couple of other teeth on each side of it. This is usually done with nylon line and a strand is bonded to the adjacent teeth for a short time until the tooth is stable.
Good luck and if it happens or is continuing to be loose, drop by and have it checked out.
Take care, keep smiling and floss the teeth that you want to keep.

**Nathan Le** Dentist Cambridge Park, New South Wales · Accepted Answer

Nathan Le Dentist Cambridge Park, New South Wales

It would be best if you come in to see a dentist asap.

**Antonio V. Narvaez** Dentist North Miami Beach, Florida · Accepted Answer

Antonio V. Narvaez Dentist North Miami Beach, Florida

You should visit your nearest dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

**Nelson Tjen-Ah Hui** Dentist Vancouver, British Columbia · Accepted Answer

Depending on the seriousness of the oral/ facial trauma from the baseball hit, your dentist must do a thorough examination including proper ray such as panoramic and periapical radiographs. After soft & hard tissue exam with the aid of the X ray, your dentist can then diagnose if your affected tooth or teeth have signs of fracture. From the dental/oral diagnosis, your dentist can then suggest possible ways of treating your loose tooth or teeth, both short and long term. Meanwhile take some pain medicine if necessary & avoid disturbing the affected area of your mouth before you see your dentist!

**Dr. Mina Levi** Dentist San Francisco, CA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Mina Levi Dentist San Francisco, CA

Hi there, sorry to hear it.
The loose tooth has to be evaluated by a general dentist who will determine if there is a way to safe the tooth.
Loose teeth are not necessary teeth that will fall out but an exam and an X ray will confirm the diagnosis and the prognosis of the tooth.
Best of luck to you.

**Dr. Peter Thomas Smrecek** Dentist Newport Beach, CA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Peter Thomas Smrecek Dentist Newport Beach, CA

If the bone is not damaged too severely, we can bond your teeth together in a splint which allow it to stabilize.

**Dr. Thomas T. Pham** Dentist Surprise, AZ · Accepted Answer

Dr. Thomas T. Pham Dentist Surprise, AZ

Teeth can loosen up when hit due to the ligament that helps to hold the tooth in place. That being said, it could also be loose due to fracture. You always want to have an injured tooth looked at and have an x-ray taken to properly diagnose the area. You may want to consider wearing a sports mouth guard in the future to help protect your teeth!

**Dr. Shirley Tharwat Hamamcy** Dentist Austin, TX · Accepted Answer

Dr. Shirley Tharwat Hamamcy Dentist Austin, TX

First and foremost thing you need to do is to see your dentist immediately.

**Dr. Vladimir Pastouk** Dentist Pepper Pike, Ohio · Accepted Answer

It does require to be "splinted" or other term is stabilized for prolonged time. It will help the tooth to reattach to the bone. Experienced dentist can lead you through the process safely and predictably. In long term this tooth still might have some issues - for example: the tooth is getting darker ( indication of damage to the nerve ), tooth becoming sensitive to pressure ( possible development of the infection around the root. )
Hope it will help to understand your options better.

**Dr. Carol Ann Scuro** Dentist Rochester, New York · Accepted Answer

Dr. Carol Ann Scuro Dentist Rochester, New York

See a dentist immediately to evaluate the problem and treat as needed.

**Dr. Nilima Runwal** Dentist Culpeper, VA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Nilima Runwal Dentist Culpeper, VA

Yes, we have to first evaluate if tooth has moved, if the nerve on the tooth is affected rct t/t needs to b done in order to avoid infection over the root of the tooth, if the tooth is mobile and savable if have to splint it to other tooth for few weeks to stabilize it. You should visit dental office for proper evaluation.

**Dr. Sharon Alicia Castro** Dentist West Bloomfield, MI · Accepted Answer

Dr. Sharon Alicia Castro Dentist West Bloomfield, MI

Your tooth most likely has already sustained damage. You can prevent further loosening and damage by seeing your dentist right away, to perhaps splint the tooth. This is a process that will keep the tooth from moving around further and help it to tighten up on its own. This will also help the dentist decide what treatment your tooth may need in the future.

**Dr. Eddie Randolph Brown** Dentist Texarkana, AR · Accepted Answer

Dr. Eddie Randolph Brown Dentist Texarkana, AR

Need to see your dentist as soon as possible so the tooth can be stabilized with splinting and to be sure the root is not fractured.

**Dr. Charles Milton Koehl** Dentist Uvalde, Texas · Accepted Answer

Dr. Charles Milton Koehl Dentist Uvalde, Texas

You have probably hurt the periodontal bone around your tooth. It's time to see a dentist and have it x-rayed. He or she can probably immobilize it by bracing it against the teeth on either side so that the bone can grown back.

**Dr. Scott B. Schaffer** Dentist Clark, New Jersey · Accepted Answer

Dr. Scott B. Schaffer Dentist Clark, New Jersey

You need to get an x-ray and be evaluated by a dentist. You could have a fracture of the tooth and/or the bone surrounding the tooth. The best case would be that the ligaments holding the tooth into the bone are traumatized and will strengthen up. Even if this is the case the loose tooth may need to be splinted to the adjoining teeth for support.

**Dr. Maxwell Johnson** Dentist Tucson, AZ · Accepted Answer

Good morning,
The issue at hand is whether the root of the tooth was damaged at all. If there is damage or a crack on the root of the tooth then there may be some treatment necessary to prevent future issues such as infection. Without a x-ray it's difficult to ascertain the extent of the trauma to the tooth. If only minor trauma the tooth may be loose just from being hit and will get firmer with time. However if the root is cracked then the loose teeth will only proceed to worsen and become looser.

Dr. Maxwell Johnson
(520) 975-4965

**Dr. Josephine Lynne Stokes** Dentist Eugene, OR · Accepted Answer

You should go directly to your dentist. He or she can stabilize the tooth to minimize mobility. Then it is a wait and see game. It depends on how much damage was sustained whether the tooth will recover. Likely there will be future treatment needed, but when the trauma is recent, a certain period if time needs to pass before the treatment needs can be assessed.

Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

**Dr. Ramona Yousefipour** Dentist Oakley, California · Accepted Answer

Hi there, usually there is nothing to worry about. Due to trauma, the ligaments that hold the tooth in the sicker , become inflamed that is why tooth becomes loose. In this situation, most likely the tooth requires a root canal and if it is still loose, it can be splinted to the adjacent tooth until the full recovery. I had a patient in my office who had a luxated tooth
The tooth came out completely out of socket). She walked in with the tooth in her hand. We placed the tooth safely back in the socket and splinted it to the adjacent tooth. After the patient came back , we performed a root canal and after 6 years, the tooth is nicely in place with no problem.
Ramona
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**Dr. Sujit Kumar Mohanty** Dentist Glen Allen, Virginia · Accepted Answer

Dr. Sujit Kumar Mohanty Dentist Glen Allen, Virginia

You must see a dentist as soon as you can as it is difficult to know if the whole tooth is loose or if has fractured. An xray and clinical evaluation are necessary.

**Keivan Ansarian** Dentist Toronto, Ontario · Accepted Answer

You should go and visit your dentist . Diagnostic X-ray can be very helpful. In the event your tooth has root fracture , saving your tooth would be very difficult and most probably is ending to tooth extraction but if tooth has not root fracture, splinting the tooth to adjacent teeth for couple of couple weeks and Performing root canal therapy if the tooth doesn't exhibit any sign of vitality, can prevent the tooth from further damage.

**Afsoon Gerayli** Dentist Reseda, California · Accepted Answer

Afsoon Gerayli Dentist Reseda, California

You should see a dentist. If there is no vertical fracture on the tooth, it can be saved,

**Greg Ceraso** Dentist West Des Moines, Iowa · Accepted Answer

The best answer I have is, "it depends". Really, it depends how much damage was done and how loose the tooth is. It would be a good idea to see your dentist and get an X-ray as soon as possible to determine if the tooth is fractured or not. If it isn't , he or she may be able to sprint it for a few days until the socket heals. There will always be a possibility that you may need a root canal in addition in order to save the tooth. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Dr C

**Dr. Shahin Dabestani** Dentist Phoenix, Arizona · Accepted Answer

Dr. Shahin Dabestani Dentist Phoenix, Arizona

Please visit our office immediately for prompt care of your dental issue. We'd be happy to see you.

**Dr. Nathaniel R. Staller** Dentist Delray Beach, Florida · Accepted Answer

Dr. Nathaniel R. Staller Dentist Delray Beach, Florida

Hello! The best thing to do would be to have an x-ray taken of the tooth to see if there is any damage that is not visible to the naked eye. I would also recommend wearing mouth guards from now on, if you already do not. We would love to help in any way that we can!

**Dr. Sachi D. Patel** Dentist Sterling, VA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Sachi D. Patel Dentist Sterling, VA

You should seek immediate dental care. Depending not the extent of the damage done, the tooth may need immediate treatment, otherwise, it could cause necrosis.

Sachi D. Patel, DDS

**Dr. Natalia Elson** Dentist Islip, NY · Accepted Answer

Dr. Natalia Elson Dentist Islip, NY

You should see Dentist immediately

**Dr. Amy Durisin** Dentist Fresno, CA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Amy Durisin Dentist Fresno, CA

How long ago did it happen? if it just happened you need to get into your dentist ASAP to have it stabilized, you also need to make sure the root isn't fractured, that the nerve hasn't died, or that your jaw isn't fractured.

**Daniel Song** Dentist Hillsboro, OR · Accepted Answer

Daniel Song Dentist Hillsboro, OR

Yyou can do splint, help to stabilization depends on your gum condition and mobility, If too much mobility, recommend ext + implant.

**Dr. Richard Raymond Pence** Dentist Denver, NC · Accepted Answer

Trauma to a tooth should be checked by your dentist, to see if the tooth might be fractured or displaced. Sometimes it is recommended to splint the loose tooth to the adjacent teeth, similar to splinting a broken arm with a cast, and in this case, to stabilize the tooth. Although some injured teeth can be eventually lost from the damage, many others will tighten without treatment. Your dentist sees this type of accident regularly, and will be able to check with an Xray for damage that is not visible, and will be able to advise you on your particular situation.

**Amy G. David** Dentist · Accepted Answer

If your tooth has been knocked loose, it needs time to heal and tighten back up. As long as it was not knocked out of place, and you are not hitting it when you eat...it might tighten back up on it's own. If it is out of place at all, or if you are hitting it when you eat at all...It is best to see your dentist. He or She can make sure it is in the proper position and stabilize it will a small amount of wire or filling material. After about 2 weeks, the splint can be removed.

With any trauma, there is a chance that the nerve was damaged as well. Even if there is no pain after the initial trauma has healed...watch for a darkening of the tooth, pain that returns, or any signs of changes in the tissue of the gums above the tooth. It is always best to have your local dentist check the tooth with x-rays, to watch for signs that the tooth was irreversibly damaged. Root canals are commonly needed after trauma to a tooth.

**Dr. Frank D. Aiello** Dentist Irwin, PA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Frank D. Aiello Dentist Irwin, PA

Please give the office a call at 724-863-9100 for assistance in this matter. To determine treatment on saving this tooth we would need to see you in the office for an xray. Thank you!

**Dr. Michael Morgan** Dentist Reno, NV · Accepted Answer

You should get to a dentist immediately. The tooth can be stabilized there, and an xray is needed to rule out fracture of root or bone. The tooth probably is in no danger of falling out, depending on the extent of the damage, but you can expect the possibility of needing root canal treatment now, or in future, as trauma like this can damage the nerve, even if tooth tightens back up. It is important also to make sure tooth is in the same position it was before accident.
Michael Morgan DDS

**Dr. Andrew M. Spector** Dentist Haworth, NJ · Accepted Answer

Dr. Andrew M. Spector Dentist Haworth, NJ

I advise you to contact a dental professional as soon as possible to determine the extent of the injury and to review and discuss your treatment options.

**Dr. John C. Moon** Dentist Half Moon Bay, California · Accepted Answer

Thank you for your good question. The best would be to go see a dentist as soon as possible to make sure there is no fracture. Don't wiggle the tooth or bite hard foods using that tooth. If there are no fractures, the tooth should settle back into the socket and become less loose. Another good idea is to wear a sports mouth guard which will protect your teeth in the future. Good luck!

**Dr. Brian Anthony Moore** Dentist Florence, Kentucky · Accepted Answer

Dr. Brian Anthony Moore Dentist Florence, Kentucky

If it is extremely loose, I would advise visiting a dentist to have a splint placed to stabilize it, much like an orthodontic wire bonded to the front 4 teeth. If it is just a little loose, it should tighten back up over next few days, just be careful chewing on it, maybe a soft diet. Thanks for the question!

**Tony Cianfarani** Dentist Welland, Ontario · Accepted Answer

Tony Cianfarani Dentist Welland, Ontario

The tooth must be put in the position it was before the impact/injury and stabilized either with a wire or a clear retainer.

Liquid and soft diet a must and avoid biting into the tooth/teeth involved.

You must see a dentist for follow up care regularly.

**Joel M. Moskowitz** Dentist Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey · Accepted Answer

Joel M. Moskowitz Dentist Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey

You need to see your dentist so an x-ray can be taken to assess any permanent damage i.e is the tooth broken, is the bone broken. If neither is the case and you do not have periodontal disease (you don't mention your age) the tooth may be splinted to the adjacent teeth and the tooth will tighten up on its own in 4-6 weeks.

**Marina Polonsky** Dentist Ottawa, ON · Accepted Answer

Marina Polonsky Dentist Ottawa, ON

Yes, you need to see a dentist and immobilize it/splint it to other teeth.

**Dr. Jeffrey D. Litman** Dentist Marlton, NJ · Accepted Answer

In order to save the tooth it must be repositioned within 2-4 hours and stabilized with braces. This must be evaluated immediately if you would like to salvage the tooth. If the tooth fails you can always obtain an implant later on. Your more then welcome to make an appointment with my practice. 6106234211 or 610 544 5251

Hope this helps- please seek dental professional or go to the emergency room to get appropriate treatment.

**Mark A. Hanna** Dentist Framingham, MA · Accepted Answer

Mark A. Hanna Dentist Framingham, MA

You should see your dentist immediately to make sure that the root is not fractured first and foremost, and if the tooth is still sound, he or she can splint it to the adjacent teeth until it re-stabilizes.

**Dr. Dimple Kotwani** Dentist Columbus, Ohio · Accepted Answer

Dr. Dimple Kotwani Dentist Columbus, Ohio

Come to the office and we can take radiograph and make sure their is no bone or root fracture and sometimes we can splint the tooth to adjacent teeth to prevent it from falling off.

Dr. Dimple Kotwani, DDS

**Dr. Ravi Ramjit** Dentist Miami, Florida · Accepted Answer

Dr. Ravi Ramjit Dentist Miami, Florida

Hi,
If we splint the tooth (bond it to another tooth) we can stabilize it.

Thanks for the question,
Dr. Ravi Ramjit D.D.S

**Dr. Fatima Vafai** Dentist San Jose, California · Accepted Answer

Dr. Fatima Vafai Dentist San Jose, California

Hello,

Sorry to hear about that. If your tooth is loose after trauma you need to be seen by a dentist, the sooner the better. You may need to have your teeth splinted. And the nerve needs to be evaluated. If you do not have a dentist, please call our office at 408-642-5407 to schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Dr. Vafai

**Irfaan Salyani** Dentist Maple, Ontario · Accepted Answer

Irfaan Salyani Dentist Maple, Ontario

You need to see a dentist so that they can assess how bad the trauma is. You may need to have the teeth splinted, and a root canal and crown done. If the tooth is not salvageable you may wish to extract the tooth, graft bone in the area and then have an implant done

**Dre Julie Lessard** Dentist Ville de QuÃ©bec, QuÃ©bec · Accepted Answer

Dre Julie Lessard Dentist Ville de QuÃ©bec, QuÃ©bec

Hi, you should definitely consult a dentist to make sure there is no irreversible damage. In the meantime, make sure to eat soft food with this tooth for 5 weeks. You may need a fixation with the other teeth so I strongly recommend you consult a dentist :) hope my answer helped you!

**Dr. Steven P. Rempas** Dentist Chicago, IL · Accepted Answer

Dr. Steven P. Rempas Dentist Chicago, IL

Call your dental office and get in right away so that can take an xray and check it out. There is a very good chance that they can make a splint and save the tooth.

**Dr. Jeffrey E. Rubin** Dentist Naples, Florida · Accepted Answer

Dr. Jeffrey E. Rubin Dentist Naples, Florida

When a tooth gets hit and is loose the best thing to do is see a dentist to make sure if the nerve canals have been damaged. He will take xrays to determine this. There are ways to secure the tooth with bonding to adjacent tooth to allow time for the tissues surrounding the tooth to regenerate.

**Dr. Tyrone F. Rodriguez** Dentist Selah, Washington · Accepted Answer

Hello,

Apparently this sounds like the tooth has been affected by the trauma of being hit. The tooth being mobile may be the result of several factors including but not limited to: the tooth socket being damaged, the supportive bone around the tooth being harmed or even the tooth root being broken. Please make sure to be seen by a dental professional that feels comfortable with dealing with sudden trauma and the long term management of the condition as soon as possible.

**Jennifer Bossel** Dentist Miami, FL · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry this happened to you! Unfortunately your case is very common and dentists see this and sometimes even worse almost everyday! The best thing to do is to see a dentist as soon as possible to try to stabilize the tooth back into place and let it heal properly. You might need a root canal in the future depending on the extent of the trauma to the tooth. I hope this helps!

**Dr. Perry Danos** Dentist Morton Grove, Illinois · Accepted Answer

Dr. Perry Danos Dentist Morton Grove, Illinois

See your dentist ASAP.

**Dr. Selim C. Alptekin** Dentist Ashland, Ma · Accepted Answer

Dr. Selim C. Alptekin Dentist Ashland, Ma

Your best interest is to be seen sooner than later. Adult teeth are the last set of choppers we get. Beyond that is replacements. Hope your tooth is salvagable. A lot of the time it is. Wearing a sports mouth guard saves from a lot of trouble.

**Dr. Maria E. Gennarelli** Dentist Scarsdale, NY · Accepted Answer

Dr. Maria E. Gennarelli Dentist Scarsdale, NY

Trauma to the teeth can cause damage. You should have it evaluated by a dentist. They tooth may be fractured. If it is loose, it needs to be stabilized. Also, it may require root canal treatment in the future. You should have an X-ray as soon as possible. It is possible that it can be saved if treated promptly.

Thank you for you question.

**Michael A. Conrad** Dentist Wescosville, Pennsylvania · Accepted Answer

This can be a very serious problem. It is never a good sign that a tooth is loose. That condition can come from three possibilities. First, there may be a problem with the attachment in the bone, and that could be related to the injury or may have begun before that. That would be a periodontal problem. Second, there could be an abscess, or a buildup of infection from the severe blow to the tooth. That infection can loosen a tooth in certain circumstances, and results from the blood supply to the tooth being damaged and the pulp of the tooth dying. Third, there could be a fracture somewhere in the root causing the looseness. Of all three possibilities, the second is the best, and is the one with the greatest chance of long-term treatment success. The other two possibilities are more serious, and ultimately, they have a grim future. Examination and x-rays by a dentist are vitally important if you are to have any chance to keep that tooth.

Michael A. Conrad, DDS, PC

**Dr. Samy Samaan** Dentist Plainfield, IL · Accepted Answer

Dr. Samy Samaan Dentist Plainfield, IL

Please call our office to schedule an appointment. So I can give you the right answer.

**Dr. Konstantine Sayaf** Dentist Jacksonville, FL · Accepted Answer

Hi there! And, OUCH! Sorry to hear that!

OK, so the short answer is, stay off the tooth as much as you can, and head to a dentist ASAP for radiographs and clinical exam.

"Loose" could mean a number of things, ranging from cusp fractures to root fractures, cracking and anything in between.

Subsequent dislodging and/or aspirating the tooth also possible...

If you bit your tongue, cheek or lip, salt water rinses (especially after meals) will keep things nice and clean so as to begin healing.

Hope this helps for now.

Best Regards
Konstantine Sayaf DMD (All Smiles Dental Ctr)

**Dr. Raymond L. Wright** Dentist Chicago, IL · Accepted Answer

Sorry to hear about your injury. Typically after being hit, if no teeth are broken or fractured, then it is normal for teeth to loosen a bit. The gum tissue will slowly reattach. Occasionally, trauma like this can create fractures in the root and also lead to the need for a root canal in the worst case. Typically, if you see a dentist, the area can be splinted to secure the teeth from moving until all healed. My advice is to see a dentist for an evaluation. Hope this helps.

**Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad** Dentist Ridgefield, CT · Accepted Answer

Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Dentist Ridgefield, CT

I would recommend that you see a dentist as soon as possible. They will take an X-ray to determine if the tooth is fractured or not. If fractured, then it depends upon the level of fracture, so please see a dentist as soon as possible.

**Dr. Heidi R. Finkelstein** Dentist Fort Lauderdale, FL · Accepted Answer

Dr. Heidi R. Finkelstein Dentist Fort Lauderdale, FL

See a dentist right away.

**Dr. Popo Isa Chui** Dentist Brookline, MA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Popo Isa Chui Dentist Brookline, MA

You will need to see a dentist to check it out. We need to check the status of the nerve and look at the foundation. If the tooth can be saved, we need to do something to immobilize the tooth.

Dr Chui

**Dr. Emily G. Gentry** Dentist San Francisco, CA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Emily G. Gentry Dentist San Francisco, CA

You should see a dentist immediately to prevent permanent damage!

**Carla H. Schlissel** Dentist West Islip, New York · Accepted Answer

How long ago were you hit in the mouth? Was the tooth knocked out of position (displaced)? Ice is very good for inflammation and pain, initially. Take an anti-inflammatory to help with pain. Go to the dentist as soon as you are able. You need an X-ray to see if the root has been broken. The dentist, at that point, can then determine what would need to be done, whether the tooth needs to be splinted or not. Good luck and feel better.

**Dr. Stephen K. Calendine** Dentist Colorado Springs, Colorado · Accepted Answer

Dr. Stephen K. Calendine Dentist Colorado Springs, Colorado

You should have your dentist evaluate it. If it's only slightly loose and sensitive, chances are good it will be okay. But if the bite is off or there is a fracture on the X-ray, treatment may be needed to help it recover and not abcess(die).

**Lesley E. Pollard** Dentist Toronto, Ontario · Accepted Answer

After trauma to the face or mouth area, you definitely need to be seen by a dentist immediately. If a tooth is loose, it may have been dislodged from the socket, in which case it needs to be splinted and then monitored. It is also possible that the root of the tooth itself or the bone that the tooth sits in has been fractured (broken). There would be less chance of saving the tooth if this is the case. You need to see a dentist right away to have X-rays taken and get a proper examination to determine the state of your tooth and surrounding tissues.

I hope this is helpful!

**Dr. Sang Moon** Dentist Scotch Plains, New Jersey · Accepted Answer

Dr. Sang Moon Dentist Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Go see a dentist to diagnose possible internal root or nerve damage.

**Mala D. Sheth** Dentist Torrance, CA · Accepted Answer

Mala D. Sheth Dentist Torrance, CA

Call us at 310-538-3639 to schedule your free exam and X-rays

We will take care of your loose tooth.

Our summer specials are filling up quickly so please call us so we can lock in your free appointment.

Thank You
Dr. Sheth

**Dr. Thomas P. Lynch** Dentist South Bend, Indiana · Accepted Answer

Whenever you receive trauma to a tooth it is important to see a dentist immediately. Trauma can move it from its original position. It is not the end of the world if you were unable to do this but it may be out of position now. I would recommend that you see a dentist to verify that there was no further trauma done to that tooth or the surrounding teeth (ie. chips or root fractures). If everything looks good with the tooth, it will need to be monitored to watch for potential changes (ie graying, nerve vitality or infection).

I hope this helps and good luck. Let us know if we can help.

Thomas Lynch, DDS

**Dr. Young H. Kim** Dentist Burke, Virginia · Accepted Answer

Dr. Young H. Kim Dentist Burke, Virginia

You need to go to a dentist.

**Dr. Benaifer D. Preziosi** Dentist Linwood, NJ · Accepted Answer

Dr. Benaifer D. Preziosi Dentist Linwood, NJ

Hi! Yes there is certainly treatment for the loose tooth. Depending on how loose it is, it can be fixated to the adjacent teeth with bonding material or an arch bar which looks like braces. I would see a dentist or oral surgeon right away to have the tooth evaluated and treated.

**Karen L. Davis** Dentist Sarnia, Ontario · Accepted Answer

You really should come in to office for an x-ray to see if it is fractured below the bone and to determine how loose it is. Sometimes we splint the loose tooth so it cannot move for 1 to 2 weeks, and then we remove the splint and monitor. It is very important to not bite into anything hard with your front tooth for the next 2 to 3 weeks and take Advil to keep swelling down. We cannot determine if it needs a root canal until 2 to 3 weeks after the trauma occurred. Please call the office at 519- 542–8876 so we can examine and determine if any treatment is needed. Hope this was helpful. Dr. Davis

**Dr. Jerald Kevin Lowry** Dentist Greensburg, PA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Jerald Kevin Lowry Dentist Greensburg, PA

You need to have the loose tooth evaluated by a dentist. He or she will take an X-ray of the area to see why it's loose and determine if the tooth is salvageable.

**Henry Buhl** Dentist Chattanooga, Tennessee · Accepted Answer

Henry Buhl Dentist Chattanooga, Tennessee

A baseball is pretty traumatic for a delicate root and nerve of a tooth. It likely has killed the nerve inside the tooth and the tooth may likely be fractured. Find a dentist and let x-ray determine the treatment method.

**W. Jack Saxonhouse** Dentist | Periodontics Loxahatchee, Florida · Accepted Answer

W. Jack Saxonhouse Dentist | Periodontics Loxahatchee, Florida

Go to your dentist, let him X-ray it, and if it is not broken he can stabilize it and it will eventually tighten up, in most cases.

**Dr. David Kaffey** Dentist Lansdale, Pennsylvania · Accepted Answer

First, you need to see dentist as soon as possible. The longer you go without having this evaluated, the greater the chances you will have complications. Yes, I’m concerned that the tooth is loose. But what is potentially a bigger issue is if the bone holding the tooth fractured or if the tooth itself fractured. A dentist will be able to determine this with radiographs (x-rays) and an exam.

There is not anything you can do to prevent further damage. Keep in mind that just because the tooth is loose, does not mean it is going to fall out. There are many procedures that we can do to prevent that from happening.

I highly recommend you have the tooth looked at as soon as you can.

Best regards,

David M. Kaffey, DDS

**Dr. Nisha Sundaragopal** Dentist Katy, Texas · Accepted Answer

Please visit a dentist. We will take an x-ray and analyze if the tooth is fractured or more of an avulsion. If it's fractured then there are different options of treatment based on the extent of fracture. If the tooth is not fractured, if it's just loose, then we can do perio splinting to restabilize the tooth.

But the tooth needs to be evaluated first to make a diagnosis to come with a treatment plan. Also please wear mouth guards when you play.

Dr. Nisha Sundaragopal DMD

**Dr. Cynthia Mae Wiggins** Dentist Marquette, MI · Accepted Answer

A loose tooth following a run-in with a baseball should be evaluated by a Dentist. It could be loose just because of the force, kind-of stretching the bone of the socket a bit, in which case leaving it alone and staying away from biting into food with it will help it to tighten back up on its own. Sometimes making a “splint” to the adjacent teeth can help to tighten things back up as well. Unfortunately, a loose tooth could also mean that it was broken. Some of these broken teeth are fixable, others are not. Please seek attention for it as soon as you can. - Doc

**An Tran** Dentist · Accepted Answer

An Tran Dentist

You should see a dentist to find out if the tooth is fractured. Your dentist may splint it to adjacent teeth and follow up.

**Dr. Anaheata Esmailzada** Dentist 202, New Jersey · Accepted Answer

Dr. Anaheata Esmailzada Dentist 202, New Jersey

You need to see a dentist as soon as possible. They need to determine if the tooth is savable. It may need to be splinted.

**Dr. Joseph P. Matrullo** Dentist Cranston, RI · Accepted Answer

Dr. Joseph P. Matrullo Dentist Cranston, RI

You should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation, as time is of the essence with tooth trauma. The root could be fractured or this could be a tooth displacement which may require splinting. The only way to determine the extent of the injury and the necessary treatment is with an exam.

**Dr. Ray Martin Becker** Dentist Ellicott City, MD · Accepted Answer

Dr. Ray Martin Becker Dentist Ellicott City, MD

You need to see a dentist to verify there are no fractures and evaluate the best steps to make sure everything is OK. If you need more information please give us a call.

Dr. Becker

Ray M. Becker, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.
5096 Dorsey Hall Drive
Ellicott City, MD. 21042-7711
O: (410) 730-4674
C: (410) 707-3861
DocRayB@mac.com

**Dr. Enrique Matabar** Dentist Washington, DC · Accepted Answer

Dr. Enrique Matabar Dentist Washington, DC

You should have an X-ray done so you can see if the bone around the tooth has been damaged. If not, you can splint it to neighboring teeth. It should tighten up.

**Dr. Michael Mark Blicher** Dentist Washington, DC · Accepted Answer

Dr. Michael Mark Blicher Dentist Washington, DC

Go see a dentist right away and get your tooth checked out.

Michael M. Blicher, D.D.S.
2112 F St., NW Suite 605
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 638-5400

**Dr. Tuan Anh Vu** Dentist · Accepted Answer

Dr. Tuan Anh Vu Dentist

You should see dentist right away. In the meantime try to avoid the area until you see the dentist. No chewing, eating, or biting on that tooth.

If the tooth comes out, put it in milk and go to the dentist ASAP.

Hope this information will ease your worrying.

**Dr. Scott M. Dubowsky** Dentist Bayonne, New Jersey · Accepted Answer

Dr. Scott M. Dubowsky Dentist Bayonne, New Jersey

If you have a loose tooth due to trauma, you should seek professional care immediately. The area needs to be clinically examined and appropriate x-rays should be taken. If there are no fractures, the tooth should be stabilized.

**Jason Ng** Dentist Titirangi, Auckland · Accepted Answer

Jason Ng Dentist Titirangi, Auckland

The type and the amount of damage to the tooth, surrounding bone, and gum tissue may vary. Hard to give you an answer without seeing the tooth. Best to see a dentist closer to you for an assessment and appropriate treatment.

**Dr. Jack Lee Schrader** Dentist Sierra Vista, AZ · Accepted Answer

You should have the tooth looked at by a dentist immediately. If the tooth is very loose it will need to be splinted (a very easy procedure which involves temporarily bonding it to the teeth on both sides) to allow the surrounding bone to heal properly so that the tooth will become solid again. Otherwise, the bone will not heal correctly and you could lose the tooth. If the dentist finds that the tooth is only slightly loose, it will tighten on its own as long as the bite is not causing movement when you bite down. I am now retired and have sold my practice to Dr. Israelsen, an excellent dentist who would be glad to look at it for you if you are in the area. 520-458-2415

**Dr. Jay Citrin** Dentist Tucson, AZ · Accepted Answer

Dr. Jay Citrin Dentist Tucson, AZ

You need to have it evaluated by your dentist. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of losing it.

**Dr. Todd Christopher Kandl** Dentist East Stroudsburg, PA · Accepted Answer

You should go see your regular dentist for an x ray. Your tooth could be loose in the socket from the trauma or it could be broken at the root of the tooth. A simple dental exam and X-ray should determine the extent of your problem and allow your dentist to choose the correct treatment. If it is loose in the socket it may just require a splint for now and possibly a root canal in the future. If it is fractured it may need to be extracted and replaced.

**Philip Ralph Barone** Dentist Abilene, TX · Accepted Answer

Philip Ralph Barone Dentist Abilene, TX

You need to have the tooth evaluated by a dentist, since the treatment will depend on the state of your tooth and extent of the injury. Since the tooth is mobile, it may require stabilization.

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