Does a loose tooth need to be extracted by the vet?

[Jessica & Pumpkin]

Good morning. My 15 year old baby, Pumpkin, has been diagnosed with diabetes for a few years now. She is on insulin treatment and prescription food. Yesterday, when she yawned, I noticed that one of her lower canines was sticking out, and when she closed her mouth, it was actually outside of her upper lip. She hasn't shown any signs of pain and is still eating and drinking normally. She is not due for a vet check-up until May. Does this sound like something that requires immediate attention, or can the tooth just fall out on it's own? Thanks!

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

It would probably be best if your vet took a look. You wouldn't want any of the roots of the tooth left as it could cause an infection or other dental problem. You could always move the check-up to a closer date.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

If an adult tooth is loose, most likely there is an infection in the gum that caused it. You should have the vet look at it to make sure.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

In an older cats with the fracture at about the gum line the cause could be Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions weakening the tooth such norm pressure/force breaks the exposed portion off. In that case the root remains in place. In any even one should contact your vet.
http://www.meadowsvetclinic.com/dental-resorptive-lesions.html
I had this happen on an older cat who was really in hospice care so extracting the remaining tooth was not called for. It was a canine tooth. I could tell by looking at the broken off portion that it was due to Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions. Like in people, health cat teeth can be broken by the cat biting a hard object or by trauma.