Tooth mobility

Introduction

"It is the degree of looseness of a tooth beyond physiological movements". —Periodontal Literature Review

Tooth mobility is usually caused by the loss of alveolar bone, inflammatory changes in the periodontal ligament and trauma from occlusion. Tooth mobility due to inflammation and trauma from occlusion may be correctable but tooth mobility due to loss of alveolar bone is not likely to be corrected. The stabilization of tooth mobility through the use of splinting may have a beneficial impact on the overall and individual tooth prognosis.

Tooth mobility is measured by Mobilometer or periodontometer

Causes for Tooth mobility

Local Factors

• Bone loss and loss of tooth support

1. Bone destruction caused by extension of gingival inflammation, which can be either due to plaque products or pharmacologically active substances.
2. Trauma from occlusion, either in absence or associated with inflammation.

• Hypofunction
• Periapical pathology
• After periodontal therapy
• Parafunctional habits like bruxism or clenching
• Pathology of jaws like tumor, cyst, etc
• Traumatic injury to dentoalveolar unit
• Tooth morphology
• Overjet and overbite
• Implant mobility

Systemic Factors

• Age : Usually in geriatric patients
• Sex and Race : Slightly higher incidence seen in females and Negros
• Menstrual cycle
• Oral contraceptives
• Pregnancy
• Systemic diseases such as Papillon-Lefevre syndrome, Down's syndrome, neutropenia, Chediak-Higashi syndrome, etc.

Tooth Mobility Indices

Miller's Index (1938)

• Grade I: Mobility of crown of the tooth 0.2-1 mm in horizontal direction
• Grade II: Mobility of crown of the tooth exceeding 1 mm in horizontal direction
• Grade III: Mobility of crown of the tooth exceeding 1 mm in any direction or to be rotated or depressed in the socket.

Glickman's Index (1972)

• Grade I: Slightly more than normal
• Grade II: Moderately more than normal
• Grade III: Severe mobility faciolingually and/or mesiodistally combined with vertical displacement.

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