My bottom front tooth has started to feel kinda loose, and it’s honestly freaking me out. I brush and floss but maybe not perfectly every day, I dunno. I’ve seen stuff online about splinting or deep cleanings, but I’m not sure what actually helps or if it’s too late. Has anyone had a tooth saved after it started moving, or is pulling it pretty much the only option? Would love to hear what worked (or didn’t) for you.
I wouldn’t assume pulling is the only way out—my dentist managed to save my wobbly tooth with a deep cleaning and a splint. It felt weird at first, but it stabilized. I’d say don’t panic yet... sometimes things can turn around with the right care.
I wouldn’t assume pulling is the only way out—my dentist managed to save my wobbly tooth with a deep cleaning and a splint. It felt weird at first, but it stabilized.
That’s encouraging to hear. I had a similar thing happen—my bottom front tooth started moving around after years of grinding (apparently my nightguard was more for show than function). My dentist did a deep cleaning and put on a splint too. Honestly, it felt like having braces again, but it worked. The tooth settled down after a few weeks. Sometimes it’s surprising what can be saved if you catch it early. Pulling isn’t always the first or only option, even if it feels like it in the moment.
Grinding got me too—my dentist said it’s a sneaky culprit for loose teeth. Did your splint stay on long? Mine was supposed to be temporary, but I ended up keeping it for almost six months. Curious if anyone else had to wear theirs that long?
Grinding got me too—my dentist said it’s a sneaky culprit for loose teeth.
Wearing a splint for six months isn’t unusual, especially if the tooth was pretty mobile to start with or if grinding is still happening. I’ve seen folks keep them on even longer while things stabilize. The tricky part is making sure you’re not just masking a bigger issue, like gum disease. Deep cleanings can help if it’s a gum problem, but if it’s mostly from grinding, sometimes a night guard after the splint comes off is enough. I get how annoying it is to eat and talk with the splint, though—definitely not fun, but it can buy you time if you’re hoping to save the tooth.
