Question: What does tooth mobility tell a dentist?
Explanation: Tooth mobility reflects the health of the periodontal attachment and the surrounding bone. Physiological mobility of a fraction of a millimetre is normal, as the periodontal ligament is not rigid. Pathological mobility indicates either inflammation widening the ligament space, loss of bone support, or both. Dentists grade mobility and correlate it with probing depths and radiographic bone levels. Increasing mobility over time signals progressive disease. Mobility that includes vertical depressibility indicates near-total loss of attachment and generally means the tooth cannot be saved.
Related Questions:
Is some tooth movement normal?
Yes. Teeth are suspended in the socket by the periodontal ligament, which permits around 0.1 to 0.2 millimetres of movement. This cushions occlusal forces. Movement detectable by finger pressure, however, is pathological and requires assessment.
Does splinting loose teeth help?
It improves comfort and function but does not regenerate lost bone or reverse attachment loss. Splinting is appropriate for teeth loosened by trauma, or as part of periodontal management once inflammation is controlled. Splinting teeth with active disease simply groups them together while the disease continues.
Can grinding make my teeth loose?
Excessive occlusal force can widen the periodontal ligament space and cause mobility, particularly where periodontal support is already reduced. It does not cause attachment loss by itself in a healthy periodontium. Managing the grinding and adjusting the bite usually reduces the mobility.
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