TOOTH INJURY

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

Injury Definition

  • Injuries to the teeth

Types of Teeth Injuries

  • Loosened Tooth: If mild, it usually tightens up on its own (may bleed a little from the gums).
  • Displaced Tooth: Any tooth that has been pushed out of normal position (displaced) needs to be seen by a dentist to assess the damage. Displaced teeth that interfere with biting, chewing, or closing of the mouth need to be repositioned within 4 hours for reasons of comfort and function. Mild displacement can wait for 24 hours for assessment.
  • Knocked-out Tooth: This is a dental emergency. The knocked-out tooth needs to be placed back in its socket at soon as possible, ideally within one hour.
  • Chipped or Fractured Tooth: All need to seen by a dentist. A fracture that enters into the pulp (center) of a tooth is referred to as complicated; the tooth is usually painful or sensitive to hot and cold. You may be able to identify a complicated tooth fracture by noticing a small red dot or pink blush (the pulp) in the fractured area. To prevent permanent tooth damage, fractures into the pulp need to be treated within 3-4 hours.

FIRST AID for Knocked-out Tooth

  • To save the tooth, it must be put back in its socket as soon as possible (2 hours is the outer limit for survival). Use the following technique:
    • Rinse off the tooth with saliva or water. Do not scrub the tooth.
    • Replace it in the socket facing the correct way.
    • Press down on the tooth with your thumb until the crown is level with the adjacent tooth.
    • Lastly, bite down on a wad of cloth to stabilize the tooth until you can be seen by a dentist.

Transporting a Knocked-out Tooth

  • Follow these instructions if you are not able to put the tooth back in its socket.
    • It is very important to keep the tooth moist. Do not let it dry out.
    • Transport the tooth in saliva or milk

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

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