Dentists - help please

[Kilash]

I have just bitten down on a wrap of all things, herd a crunch and a bottom front tooth now hurts and feels loose.
Is this likely to be salvageable? Its right at the front so very noticable.
I'll try and get an emergency dentist appointment tomorrow but need to know what I might be facing (sorry, I know you haven't examined!). I have good oral hygiene, regular check ups.

[MilkLady02]

It would be unusual for an otherwise healthy tooth to suddenly become loose. Have you ever had white fillings in the tooth? Could it be a white filling that’s come loose, or is it the whole tooth moving in the gum? (Dentist here)

[Kilash]

No, the whole tooth is moving. I heard a crunchng sound as I bit down. The tooth has never been filled - it is also sore to touch.
I do grind my teeth but wear a mouthguard and it affects maibly the back molars (had to have an implant because I fractured the root. Thanks for quick response.

[Kilash]

Seen the emergency dentist today who x-rayed. tooth is not fractured or decayed, seems to have tightened up a little but dentist said that there is significant bone and gum loss around that particular tooth which has probably made it vulnerable, Its not gum disease as I go 4 times a year to the hygenist and am fastidious about hygiene.

Next question is then - what can I do? I'm going back in 2 weeks just to check tooth has stabilised. Do you think it's a case of gum grafts and/or bone grafts? I really want to preserve the tooth if possible.

[MilkLady02]

They might be able to splint the teeth together to help stabilise everything. You may need to see a specialist regarding the bone/gum issue. They would need to assess how much bone is there/whether it’s enough to support the tooth/possible future implant etc. Without seeing the tooth/xrays etc it’s difficult to give an opinion, but it sounds like a specialist may need to look into it for you. Hope you get things sorted.

[Kilash]

Thanks Milklady. There is a periodontist attached to my practice so I can arrange a consultation. Dentist was hopeful the tooth would tighten up but I'm now worried about the bone loss. Is there a good success rate for bone or gum grafts?

[MilkLady02]

TBH that’s quite advanced work, not something I do in general dentistry, so wouldn’t be able to give you accurate info. Specialist periodontist can assess for you and sometimes take a surgical approach to treatment as you suggest, but it’s not something I’m familiar with. Once they have seen you/your teeth/xrays, they can discuss all the options with you. Hope they are able to find a solution for you!