About this treatment
Traumatic dental injuries often occur in accidents or sports-related injuries. Chipped teeth account for the majority of all dental injuries; dislodged or knocked-out teeth are less frequent but more severe. Any dental injury, even if apparently mild, requires examination by a dentist or an endodontist immediately.
How will my injury be treated?
Chipped or fractured teeth
Most chipped or fractured tooth crowns can be repaired by reattaching the broken piece or placing a tooth-colored filling. If the pulp is exposed or damaged after a crown fracture, root canal treatment may be needed.
Dislodged (luxated) teeth
A tooth may be pushed sideways, out of or into its socket. Your endodontist will reposition and stabilize your tooth; root canal treatment is usually needed for permanent teeth that have been dislodged.
Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
Time is of the essence — see an endodontist or dentist immediately. Handle the tooth gently, avoid touching the root surface, and get treatment right away. The length of time out of the mouth and how the tooth was stored influence the chances of saving it.
Root fractures
A traumatic injury may result in a horizontal root fracture. The location of the fracture determines the long-term health of the tooth — the closer to the root tip, the better the chances for success.
Endodontists are trauma specialists
Endodontists are dentists who specialize in treating traumatic dental injuries. With their advanced skills, techniques and technologies they can often save injured teeth. Most endodontists offer tremendous flexibility in accommodating emergency cases so your pain can be relieved quickly.