Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 6/17/2008

Question
I was recently punched in the mouth and the blow seems to have connected
soundly with my two front teeth. I noticed on the day following the incident
that one of my front teeth is slightly loose. I can wiggle it back and forth less
than 1 mm (very slightly loose). I fear the possibility of loosing this tooth
since I am currently not covered by dental insurance. I am hoping it may heal
if I eat soft foods and avoid using this tooth. The tooth and gum in the area
are very sensitive. I am 23 years old, these are my adult teeth. If the tooth is
not further loosened is there a chance to save it? How badly must a tooth be
loosened for it not to heal? Thanks very much for your advice!

Answer
Hi Daniel

This tooth may firm up again and be OK - but there is no guarantee!  There could just as easily be permanent damage to the tooth root/pulp of the tooth.  I would suggest you see how it goes - if it settles back to normal then you may have got away with it.  If it remains loose, or starts to hurt more, or swells or goes darker in colour then you should see a dentist.

Try and sort out insurance just in case!

Regards

Tony Appleton