Traumatic Injuries to the Mouth
Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to become dislodged, knocked out, or damaged, requiring prompt care to prevent complications. If a tooth is pushed deeper into the socket or partially out, it may need to be repositioned and stabilized, with root canal treatment if the pulp is affected. A knocked-out tooth must be kept moist and treated immediately for the best chance of saving it. In children, injured teeth that are still developing may require specialized procedures like apexogenesis or apexification to encourage proper root growth and improve long-term outcomes. Seeking timely treatment is crucial in all cases to prevent infection, tooth loss, or further damage.
Dislodged Teeth
Injuries to the mouth can sometimes push a tooth deeper into its socket. If this happens, Dr. Washington or your general dentist will reposition and stabilize the tooth. In most cases, root canal treatment will begin within a few weeks, and a medication such as calcium hydroxide will be placed inside the tooth. Eventually, a permanent root canal filling will be applied.
If a tooth is partially pushed out of the socket, your endodontist or general dentist will reposition and stabilize it. If the pulp remains healthy, no further treatment is needed. However, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, root canal treatment will be necessary.
If left untreated, complications may arise, including:
• Infection in the tooth, root, or surrounding tissue.
• Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene due to the position of the tooth.
• Tooth loss if the condition worsens.
Avulsed Teeth (Knocked-out Teeth)
If a tooth is completely knocked out, immediate treatment is crucial. Keeping the tooth moist is essential for saving it.
What to Do If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out:
• If possible, place the tooth back into its socket without forcing it.
• If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, keep it moist in milk or a glass of water with a pinch of salt.
Dr. Washington may begin root canal treatment, depending on the stage of root development. The success of the treatment depends on how long the tooth was out and how it was stored.
Tooth Injuries In Children
When a child’s tooth is injured before it has fully developed, certain procedures may be needed to improve the chances of saving it. Depending on the condition of the tooth, one of the following treatments may be recommended:
Apexogenesis
This procedure helps the root continue to develop while the pulp heals. Medication is applied to the soft tissue to promote growth. As the child gets older, the root tip (apex) will continue to close, and the root canal walls will thicken. If the pulp heals properly, no further treatment is needed. The more the root matures, the greater the chances of saving the tooth.
Apexification
In this procedure, the unhealthy pulp is removed, and medication is placed inside the root to encourage the formation of hard tissue near the root tip. This hardened tissue acts as a barrier for the root canal filling. However, because the root walls will no longer develop, the tooth may become more prone to fractures. To protect it, proper restoration by your dentist is essential.