Displaced or dislodged teeth
An injury can push a tooth sideways, farther into its socket, or partly out of the socket. The tooth may need to be repositioned and stabilized. Root canal treatment may also be necessary if the pulp becomes damaged or infected.
Even when the injured tooth appears stable, neighboring teeth can be affected in ways that are not immediately visible. A prompt examination and appropriate follow-up help monitor healing and identify changes early.
A completely knocked-out tooth
A permanent tooth that has been knocked out is a true dental emergency. Call a dentist or endodontist immediately. Handle the tooth only by the crown—the chewing surface—not by the root.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing or drying it. When possible and safe, it can be gently placed back into the socket. If that is not possible, keep it moist in milk, in the mouth next to the cheek, or in an emergency tooth-preservation product. Do not store it in regular tap water for an extended time. Seek professional care immediately, ideally within 30 minutes.
These steps are for a permanent tooth. Do not replant a knocked-out primary or “baby” tooth.
Injuries in developing permanent teeth
Young permanent teeth may still have open root tips. When the pulp can heal, a procedure called apexogenesis may support continued root development. If the pulp cannot remain healthy, apexification or another regenerative approach may be considered to create conditions that allow the tooth to be sealed and restored.
Long-term follow-up is especially important after dental trauma because changes can appear weeks, months, or even years later.
Time matters after a dental injury. If you are unsure how serious it is, call the office and describe what happened.