Q: I recently swallowed over 90% of a molar, and didn’t realize it until I brushed my teeth a couple of hours later. I’m assuming that I swallowed it while eating. It wasn’t loose, nor had I had any problems with it previously. I was just told that I had osteopenia, and am wondering if that could contribute to bone loss to the effect of having teeth fall out.
A: I am not really clear what “90% of a molar” swallowed means, but from what you describe the options might include:
Option #1 – a fractured portion of the tooth breaking off (90% as you describe), which can be caused by either tooth decay or other dental trauma unknown to the patient without any pain or symptoms. I am assuming that the remaining portion of the tooth has been extracted by a dentist since then. Usually an x-ray of the area would reveal the situation that lead to the loss of the 90% of the tooth in question.
Option #2 – bone loss leading to a loose tooth exfoliating on its own. This is unusual if you have seen a dentist within the last 6 months or so and had a thorough periodontal dental exam. You mentioned the tooth was not loose. Sometimes a patient doesn’t realize how loose a tooth can be depending on the individual situation and whether dental x-rays were taken prior to the spontaneous tooth loss. Although osteopenia can affect the bone support in the mouth, it is extremely rare that teeth just “fall out” if you have been under the care of a dentist. There are rare systemic diseases where we see spontaneous tooth loss, but the odds are extremely remote. A complete work up with your family doctor is also advisable to rule out any other conditions.
My suggestion is to visit your dentist or periodontist and have a full set of digital x-rays and clinical exam and see what is going on in your mouth. Hopefully, you will avoid this situation from happening again.
Good luck!
Dr. Eric Linden
