| Tooth mobility | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 1: Total loss of attachment (clinical attachment loss, CAL) is the sum of 2: Gingival recession, and 3: Probing depth (using a periodontal probe) | |
| Specialty | Dentistry |
Tooth mobility is the horizontal or vertical displacement of a tooth beyond its normal physiological boundaries[1] around the gingival (gum) area, i.e. the medical term for a loose tooth.
Tooth loss implies in loss of several orofacial structures, such as bone tissues, nerves, receptors and muscles and consequently, most orofacial functions are diminished.[2] Destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth may progress to necrosis (tissue death) of the alveolar bone, which may result in a decrease in the number of teeth. The decrease in the number of teeth of a patient may find his chew's ability become significantly less efficient. They may also experience poor speech, pain and dissatisfaction with the appearance, lowering quality of life.[2]
- ^ Ireland, Robert (2010). A Dictionary of Dentistry. Oxford University Press. pp. 348–349.
- ^ a b Bortoluzzi, MarceloCarlos; Capella, DiogoLenzi; Da Rosa, ThaianyNaila; Lasta, Renata; Presta, AndréiaAntoniuk; Traebert, Jefferson (2012). "Tooth loss, chewing ability and quality of life". Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. 3 (4): 393–7. doi:10.4103/0976-237X.107424. ISSN 0976-237X. PMC 3636836. PMID 23633796.