Traumatic Dental Injuries

Common Types of Dental Trauma

1. Chipped or Fractured Teeth

• Minor Chips
Often repaired by reattaching the broken piece or placing a tooth-colored filling.

• Significant Fractures
May require a crown (“cap”).
If the crack extends into the root, root canal treatment and a full-coverage crown might be needed.
In severe cases, a split tooth might require extraction.

2. Dislodged (Luxated) Teeth

• Partially or Fully Pushed Out of Socket
A tooth can be pushed sideways, outward, or inward. Your endodontist or dentist will reposition and stabilize it.

• Root Canal Treatment
Permanent teeth that have been dislodged typically need a root canal within days of the injury, especially if the pulp is damaged.

You can learn more about Root Canal Treatment by clicking the link below.
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• Healthy Pulp?
If the tooth’s pulp remains vital, no further endodontic treatment is needed, although the tooth still needs monitoring.

3. Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth

• Act Fast: 1-Hour Window
If a tooth is completely knocked out, see a dentist as soon as possible—ideally within an hour—for the best chance of preserving the tooth.

• Storage & Handling

• Gently rinse the tooth with water if dirty—do not scrub it.

• Keep it moist: ideally place it back in the socket if possible, or store it in normal saline, contact lens solution, or inside your cheek.

• A dentist or endodontist will reinsert and stabilize the tooth with a splint. In many cases, root canal treatment may be recommended within 7–10 days, depending on your tooth’s condition.

4. Fractures (Jaw or Root)

• Jaw Fracture
May require imaging and possible stabilization.

• Root Fracture
The location and extent of the fracture determine the tooth’s long-term prognosis.
Sometimes a splint helps stabilize the tooth while it heals.
CBCT can help to visualize the fracture from all angles to create the most precise and accurate treatment plan.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Contact a Dental Professional Quickly

Prompt attention improves the likelihood of reimplantation success and overall outcome.

2. Handle the Tooth Properly

If knocked out, avoid touching the root. Store it appropriately (normal saline, saliva, etc.).

3. Manage Bleeding

Apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth if there’s bleeding.

4. Stay Calm, Seek Expert Help

Your endodontist (or general dentist) will guide you on the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How Soon Should I See a Dentist After an Injury?

Immediate care—ideally within an hour—gives the best opportunity for favorable results.

Q: Will I Always Need a Root Canal?

Not necessarily. If the pulp stays healthy, stabilization alone may suffice. But if the pulp is damaged or infected, a root canal therapy is often recommended when the pulp is damaged, to help preserve the tooth.

Q: Can a Dislodged Tooth Survive Long-Term?

Dislodged teeth may heal well when treated promptly and monitored by a specialist.

Q: What About My Child’s Injured Tooth?

Children’s teeth might still have open roots, so special procedures (like pulp therapy) may apply. Prompt evaluation is essential to preserve normal tooth development.