Dental Trauma

An injury can cause a tooth to be pushed deeper into the socket, shifted sideways, or partially pulled out. Your general dentist or endodontist may reposition and stabilize the tooth depending on the type of injury. In some cases, the pulp may remain healthy and no additional care is needed. If the pulp becomes damaged or infected, root canal treatment may be recommended, often within the weeks following the injury. When a tooth is dislodged, delayed treatment can increase the risk of complications, including:

• Infection of the tooth or surrounding tissue
• Difficulty cleaning the area properly
• Increased risk of tooth loss

If a tooth is knocked out, immediate action is important. A tooth has a better chance of being saved when it is kept moist and treated as quickly as possible. If you can, gently place the tooth back into the socket. If you cannot, store it in milk or water to keep it moist and seek emergency dental care right away.

The treatment approach depends on how long the tooth was out of the mouth, how it was stored, and the stage of root development. Your endodontist will evaluate the situation and recommend the most appropriate next step to support healing and long-term stability.

Injuries to developing teeth may require specific procedures to improve the chances of saving the tooth and supporting future function. When the pulp can be preserved and healed, a procedure called apexogenesis may be recommended to encourage continued root development. In this approach, protective medication is placed to support healing and allow the root tip to continue closing as the child grows, helping strengthen the tooth over time.

If the pulp is unhealthy and cannot be preserved, apexification may be recommended instead. This procedure involves placing medication inside the root to help form a hard barrier near the root tip so the canal can be sealed properly. Because the root walls may remain thin, careful restoration and ongoing follow-up with your dentist are especially important to help protect the tooth.