Dental Trauma
Understanding Dental Trauma
Dental injuries can occur at any age and may affect the teeth, gums, and surrounding bone. Prompt evaluation and treatment are critical to achieving the best possible outcome.
Types of Dental Trauma
Fractured or Chipped Teeth
The treatment for a fractured or chipped tooth depends on the extent of the damage and whether the nerve (pulp) is involved:
- Minor chips that do not involve the pulp may be repaired by your general dentist
- Fractures that expose the pulp typically require endodontic treatment to save the tooth
Luxated (Displaced) Teeth
A luxated tooth has been pushed out of its normal position but is still partially attached. Treatment involves:
- Repositioning the tooth back into its proper position
- Stabilizing the tooth (typically with a splint)
- Monitoring the pulp over time to determine if endodontic treatment is needed
Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Teeth
An avulsed tooth has been completely knocked out of its socket. This is a dental emergency. If a tooth is knocked out:
- Keep the tooth moist — Place the tooth in milk, Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS), or saliva (between the cheek and gum). Do not store in plain water.
- Seek immediate care — Get to a dentist or endodontist as quickly as possible for reimplantation
- Root canal treatment — A root canal will typically be needed within 1 to 2 weeks following reimplantation
Time is critical with avulsed teeth. The sooner the tooth is reimplanted, the better the chance of saving it.
If you or someone you know has experienced dental trauma, call us immediately at (254) 374-6680. We provide same-day emergency care.