Traumatic dental injuries

1. Handle the tooth very gently and avoid touching the root.
2. If it is dirty, rinse it quickly and gently in water. Do not use soap or any cleaning agent, and never scrape or brush it.
3. If you can, place it back into its socket as soon as possible. If you are not comfortable doing that, put the tooth in a jar of milk and contact our office.

A dentist will check the tooth and look for other dental or facial injuries. A stabilizing splint is placed for a few weeks, and depending on the root's development, root canal treatment may start a week or two later.

Chipped or fractured teeth

Chips are the most common injury. Many can be repaired by reattaching the broken piece or with a tooth-colored filling; a larger break may need a crown. Cracks that reach the root may need root canal treatment and a crown, and a split tooth may need to be extracted.

Dislodged teeth

A tooth pushed sideways, out of or into its socket is repositioned and stabilized. Permanent teeth usually need root canal treatment a few days after the injury; children from seven to 12 may not, since their teeth are still developing, and we monitor healing closely.

Root fractures and resorption

A fracture near the root tip has a better outlook than one near the gumline, and may need a splint for a time. After any injury, return for checks so we can make sure the body is not rejecting the tooth and the tissues are healing.

Chipped baby teeth can be restored, and dislodged baby teeth can, in rare cases, be repositioned. A knocked-out baby tooth usually should not be replanted, because that can damage the permanent tooth growing underneath. Young permanent teeth need special attention and careful follow-up, but not all of them need root canal treatment.