Have weak adult teeth and pain in the gum. Suggestions?
Patient: Hello, I am currently a student applying for dental insurance. It will not be effective for about 3 weeks which is when I plan on making an appointment to see a dentist but one of my adult teeth is falling out now. It must have became weak quite a while ago and I didn t notice until now that when I take bites my tooth has been being chipped away. There s only about half of it left now and as I said it s extremely weak. There s a dull throbbing pain in the gum area surrounding the root of the tooth and in the same exact place on the other side (those teeth are fine as far as I know though...) I m wondering if I should pull it out tonight or go to the hospital or what my other options are....thank you. Doctor: Hi,  Thanks for posting your query. Periodontitis or pyorrhea is a set of inflammatory diseases affecting the periodontium , i.e., the tissues that surround and support the teeth . Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Ideally, a periodontist ie: a gum surgeon must examine you and the treatment may consist of the following: -deep scaling -non surgical placement of drugs (antibiotics) in pockets to prevent further infection and bone loss -flap surgery (in very advanced cases where non surgical intervention does not work) -splint loose teeth (If present) However, until you visit your dentist you may use a good chlorhexidine mouthwash and warm saline gargles twice daily to flush out the stuck food from the pockets thus preventing further infection. Regards.