Traumatic Injuries to the Mouth
Learn from Endodontist Dr. Walker what you should do in these emergency dental situations
When a traumatic injury to the mouth occurs, it’s important to act quickly and seek professional help as soon as possible. Whether it’s a dislodged tooth, a completely knocked-out tooth (avulsed), or an injury to a child’s developing tooth, prompt care can make all the difference in saving the tooth and avoiding long-term complications. Dr. Walker, an experienced endodontist, explains the steps to take and how modern treatments can help in these emergency dental situations.
Dislodged Teeth: Immediate Care and Treatment
Injuries to the mouth, such as a blow to the face or a fall, can push a tooth back into its socket. If you or a loved one experiences this, don’t panic—seek dental care right away. Dr. Walker or your general dentist will carefully reposition the tooth and stabilize it, which helps it reattach to the surrounding tissue.
In most cases, root canal treatment is recommended a few weeks after the injury to ensure the tooth remains healthy. This treatment may involve placing a medication like calcium hydroxide inside the tooth to promote healing. Eventually, a permanent root canal filling will be placed to protect the tooth from further infection.
If the tooth is only partially dislodged, it can sometimes be repositioned without the need for a root canal, provided the tooth’s pulp (the soft tissue inside) remains healthy. However, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, a root canal will likely be necessary to save the tooth. Without prompt treatment, complications such as infection or tooth loss may arise.
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To schedule an appointment with us, give our office a call at Northwest Endodontics Office Phone Number 816-364-4422 or use our online contact request form.Avulsed Teeth (Completely Knocked-Out Teeth): Act Fast!
If a tooth is completely knocked out of the mouth (known as an avulsed tooth), time is of the essence. The first step is to keep the tooth moist—if possible, gently place the tooth back into the socket. If that isn’t possible, place it in a container with milk or a glass of water with a pinch of salt. Avoid touching the tooth’s root directly.
Dr. Walker will evaluate the situation and may start root canal treatment depending on the stage of the tooth’s development and how long the tooth was out of the mouth. The success of saving the tooth depends on how it was handled and the time elapsed before receiving professional care.
Tooth Injuries in Children: Special Considerations for Growing Teeth
In children, the injury to a tooth that’s still developing requires special attention. If a young child’s tooth is injured, one of the following procedures may be recommended to improve the chances of saving the tooth:
- Apexogenesis: This procedure encourages the root of the tooth to continue developing while the pulp heals. Special medication is applied to the pulp, and over time, the root tip (apex) will close and the walls of the root canal will thicken. The more mature the root becomes, the better the chances are of saving the tooth. If the pulp heals naturally, no additional treatment may be necessary.
- Apexification: If the pulp is damaged beyond repair, apexification is performed. In this process, the unhealthy pulp is removed, and medication is placed in the root to form hard tissue near the root tip. This tissue forms a barrier for the root canal filling. While the root canal walls won’t continue to develop, it is important to restore the tooth properly to avoid future fractures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What should I do if a tooth is knocked out? If a tooth is completely knocked out, try to place it back into the socket. If that’s not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or water with a pinch of salt. See a dentist immediately—time is critical for the best chance of saving the tooth.
- How long can I keep a knocked-out tooth in milk or water before seeing a dentist? The sooner you seek dental care, the better. Ideally, you should see a dentist within 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer the tooth is out of the mouth, the lower the chance of successful reimplantation.
- What is a root canal, and why might I need one after a traumatic injury? A root canal is a dental procedure used to remove damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth. If the pulp (nerve and blood vessels) is harmed by trauma, a root canal can save the tooth by cleaning out the infection and sealing the tooth from further damage.
- Can a child’s permanent tooth grow back after being injured? Unfortunately, permanent teeth do not grow back once they are lost. However, early intervention and appropriate treatment, like apexogenesis or apexification, can help preserve the tooth and protect it from further damage.
- Are there any risks if I don’t treat a dislodged tooth right away? Yes, leaving a dislodged tooth untreated can lead to complications such as infection in the tooth or surrounding tissue, difficulty cleaning the area properly, and even tooth loss. Immediate treatment increases the chances of saving the tooth and preventing further issues.
Contact Dr. Walker for Immediate Care
In the case of a traumatic dental injury, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Prompt attention from an experienced endodontist like Dr. Walker can help restore your smile and prevent long-term complications. Contact our office right away to schedule an emergency consultation if you or a loved one experience a dental injury. We are here to guide you through the process and ensure the best possible outcome for your dental health.
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