Traumatic Dental Injuries

Types of Dental Trauma

Avulsion (Knocked-Out Tooth)

The tooth has been completely knocked out of the socket. Most time-critical injury. Can often be reimplanted if handled correctly within the first hour.

Luxation (Loosened Tooth)

The tooth is still in the socket but has been loosened or displaced. Usually repositioned and splinted to adjacent teeth.

Intrusion

The tooth has been pushed into the gum or jawbone. Requires repositioning and often root canal later.

Extrusion

The tooth has been pulled out of the socket but is still attached. Can usually be repositioned.

Crown Fracture

Part of the visible tooth has broken off. Broken tooth repair page has details on repair options.

Root Fracture

The root of the tooth has cracked. Visible only on X-ray. May be treatable with splinting or may require extraction.

Treatment at Our Office

• Reimplantation of knocked-out teeth
• Repositioning of displaced teeth
• Splinting with wires or composite to stabilize the tooth during healing
• Root canal if the nerve has died (often needed 2-4 weeks after trauma)
• Bonding or crown for broken teeth
• Extraction only when the tooth cannot be saved

Follow-Up Care

Trauma often requires multiple visits over weeks or months. Nerve damage can develop weeks or months after the injury, so we monitor traumatized teeth carefully. Most patients return for checkups at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after initial treatment.