Causes Of Tooth Mobility

Following are the causes of tooth mobility:

Loss of tooth support (Bone loss): Amount of mobility depends on the severity and distribution of bone loss at individual root surfaces, the length and shape of the roots, and the root size compared with that of the crown. Tooth with short, tapered roots is more likely to loosen than one with bulbous roots with the same amount of bone loss.
Trauma from occlusion: It is produced by excessive occlusal forces or incurred because of abnormal occlusal habits, i.e. bruxism and clenching, is a common cause of tooth mobility. Mobility is also increased due to hypofunction. Mobility caused by trauma from occlusion occurs initially as a result of resorption of the cortical layer of bone, leading to reduced fiber support, and later as an adaptation phenomenon resulting in a widened periodontal space.
Due to extension of inflammation: As inflammation extends from gingiva or from periapex in periodontal ligament produces changes which causes tooth mobility.

Types Of Splinting In Dentistry

Periodontal surgery: It increases tooth mobility for short period.
In pregnancy: Tooth mobility is increased during pregnancy and is associated with the menstrual cycle or the use of contraceptives. Mobility occurs in patients with or without periodontal disease, because of physicochemical changes in periodontal tissues.
Pathologic processes of jaws: Pathological processes of the jaws that destroy the alveolar bone or the roots of the teeth can also result in mobility. Such processes include osteomyelitis and tumors of the jaws.