A very loose tooth is referred to as what?

• A. Lunation
• B. Subluxation
• C. Impaction
• D. Congenital

Answer: (B)

A very loose tooth is referred to as subluxation. This term describes a condition where a tooth is partially dislodged from its normal position but is not fully knocked out. In the context of dental injuries, subluxation can occur due to trauma and involves significant mobility of the tooth, which may also be accompanied by bleeding around the gum line.

The other terms provided refer to different conditions: lunation does not pertain to dental terminology and is generally used to describe something related to the moon. Impaction typically refers to a situation where a tooth, such as a wisdom tooth, is unable to emerge properly through the gum, often causing pain and complications. Congenital refers to conditions that are present from birth and does not apply to the state of a tooth like subluxation. The specific association with loosening and instability makes subluxation the correct term for a very loose tooth.