Dislodged (Luxated) Teeth:

A tooth may experience an injury where it becomes dislodged from its socket. Root Canal treatment will generally be required to repair damage to permanent teeth that have become dislodged. It is important to start this process a few days after injury. If your tooth has become dislodged it is imperative to book an appointment at our office as soon as possible.
For children (specifically between the ages of 7 and 12) each case can be different. During this age, your child’s permanent teeth are still developing. Depending on the specific tooth, your Endodontist may not need to do a root canal treatment. In this circumstance, your Endodontist will schedule additional follow-up appointments to monitor your child’s tooth development closely.

Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth:

An avulsed tooth is a tooth that has been knocked-out of its socket. In this circumstance time and careful tooth management are important factors.

Immediate Instructions:

• Handle the tooth carefully, if it is dirty rinse it off quickly and gently. Avoid touching the root of the tooth.
• If possible, place the tooth back in its socket as soon as possible.
• If it is not possible to place the tooth in the socket, put the tooth in a “save-a-tooth” solution that can be found at a local drugstore or in a glass of milk. Do this immediately.
• If neither of the above options are possible you can place your tooth back inyour mouth between your gums and your cheek, remembering to be very gentle with it.
• Do not place it in water.

Your Dentist or Endodontist will evaluate your tooth and surrounding facial areas for injuries. A stabilizing splint will be used to hold the tooth in place while it heals. It is possible that your tooth will need a Root Canal treatment and, if so, this will be performed in a few weeks’ time.

It is important to act as quick as possible when it comes to an Avulsed Tooth. The length of time and the quality of care after injury are imperative to the future health of the tooth.

Root Fracture

An injury towards the mouth can sometimes result in a horizontal root fracture. The closer this fracture is to the root tip, the greater the chances are of saving the tooth. However, the closer the fracture is to the gum of the mouth, the poorer the long term success rate of treatment. If your tooth has a root fracture, your Dentist or Endodontist may stabilize it with a splint. 

Traumatic Dental Injuries In Children

Injuries to the teeth in children are treated much differently than permanent teeth in adults. This is because most primary teeth cannot be replaced when they have been knocked out. In most instances, primary teeth if placed back in the socket can have a detrimental effect on your child’s permanent teeth that are growing inside the bone.

Children’s permanent teeth that have not fully developed will need special attention and care; however, since the tooth is still developing, it is possible that the tooth may not need a root canal treatment. It is important to visit your Dentist or Endodontist as soon as possible after a dental injury to ensure further tooth health.