Normally, teeth are firmly anchored in the jawbone. With tooth mobility, a tooth moves more than normal when touched or when chewing. This can result from loss of supporting tissue, as in periodontitis. Trauma or overloading can also play a role. The clinician assesses mobility with a gentle movement test. There are grades of mobility that are recorded clinically. Mild mobility can improve on its own with good treatment. In cases of severe mobility, splinting or removal may be necessary. An X-ray helps to assess the surrounding bone. Early treatment is crucial to keeping the teeth.
General Information
What is tooth mobility?
Tooth mobility means that a tooth or molar is looser in the jaw than it should be.