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Injuries to the mouth can cause a tooth to be pushed deeper into its socket or moved out of its normal position. When this occurs, your endodontist or general dentist may gently reposition the tooth and secure it with stabilization techniques. Root canal treatment is often begun within a few weeks, and a medication such as calcium hydroxide may be placed inside the tooth. A permanent root canal filling will be completed once healing has progressed.
In some cases, a tooth may be partially pushed out of its socket. Your dentist or endodontist can typically reposition and stabilize the tooth. If the pulp remains healthy, no additional treatment may be needed. However, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, root canal treatment will be required. Without treatment, complications may include infection, problems with cleaning the area, or eventual loss of the tooth.
When a tooth is completely knocked out, immediate action is critical. The tooth must be kept moist at all times. If possible, place it back into the socket. If this is not possible, store the tooth in milk or a container of water with a pinch of salt. Quick, proper handling greatly increases the chance of saving the tooth.
Your endodontist will evaluate the tooth based on your age, how long the tooth was out of the mouth, and how it was stored. Root canal treatment is often needed, but timing and techniques may vary depending on the stage of root development.
When trauma affects a tooth that is still developing, one of the specialized treatments below may be needed to encourage proper root growth:
This procedure helps the root continue to develop while the pulp heals. A medication is placed over the healthy tissue to protect it. As the child grows, the tip of the root will continue to close, and the root walls will thicken. If healing occurs, no further endodontic treatment may be needed. Teeth with more developed roots have a better chance of long-term success.
When the pulp is not healthy, it is removed and medication is placed inside the root to encourage the formation of a hard tissue barrier at the root tip. This barrier allows the root canal to be safely sealed. Because the root will not continue to thicken, the tooth may be more fragile and will require proper restoration by the dentist to help protect it from fracture.
