Traumatic Injuries
Dislodged Teeth
When an accident occurs, rather than a chip in the tooth, the tooth may be dislodged, either pushed back, sideways, or extruded out of the socket. When this happens, it is important to see your dentist or endodontist immediately.
A permanent tooth that is dislodged will generally need a root canal a few days after the injury. Children between seven and 12 years old may not need root canal treatment since their teeth are still developing and contain stem cells which allow the tissue to heal.
Avulsion or Knocked Out Teeth
Believe it or not, more than five million teeth are knocked out every year in both children and adults but if this happens, it doesn’t necessarily mean the tooth is lost. Proper emergency action can allow the replantation of your tooth if done quickly and last for years to come.
What to do when a tooth is knocked out:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface). Handle it carefully and try to avoid touching the root.
- Gently rinse the tooth with water if it is dirty. Do not use any chemicals or soap. Don’t scrub the tooth or wrap it in tissue or cloth.
- If possible, reposition the tooth back in the socket immediately. Gently push the tooth back in the socket while holding the crown or even close your mouth slowly. You can hold it in place gently with your fingers or biting pressure.
- Keeping the tooth moist at all times is key. If it cannot be replaced in the socket, consider placing it in milk, in your mouth next to your cheek, or in an emergency tooth preservation kit such as such as Save-a-Tooth®.
- See an endodontist (or dentist) within 30 minutes for the most favorable prognosis. Depending on how developed the root is and how long the tooth has been removed from the mouth, Dr. Dyriw may recommend root canal treatment right away.
Root Fractures
When a traumatic injury leads to a root fracture, Dr. Dyriw often employs the use of 3-Dimensial radiographs to gain an understanding of the extent. The location of the fracture determines long term prognosis and Dr. Dyriw will discuss options with you if necessary.