Tooth dislodgement is called dental avulsion. Whatever is the cause, be it due to contact sports or accidental injury having a partially dislodged tooth can be an uncomfortable and often painful prospect. A tooth maybe just hanging from the socket (bone) or it may be just attached at the nerve or root.
If a dislodged tooth cannot be reattached and needs to be extracted then the missing tooth can be replaced by various dental replacement options such as dentures, dental bridge or dental implants. Our dentists at The Dental Hub will be happy to discuss all options with you that would help preserve your beautiful smile.
It is imperative to get an immediate attention by a dentist for any dislodged tooth because this can be helpful in maintaining the shape and size of the original tooth and in some cases the dislodged tooth may be cemented back in place. Dental consultation as soon as possible also reduces the chances of infection, dental decay and gum disease.
The temptation to touch the affected tooth with the tongue and to move it around should be avoided at all costs as this can cause further dental damage and tooth loss. The dentist will examine the oral condition and extent of damage to the dislodged tooth. The tooth will be thoroughly washed and treated with medication to prevent bacterial growth and decay. In order to deal with the pain a local anaesthetic may be applied. The tooth socket will be prepared to receive an artificial tooth or restore the dislodged original tooth, whichever is appropriate under the circumstances. A dental splint is used to keep the inserted tooth in place. Dental splints do not hinder bite function but help the gum and tissue to grow around the newly set tooth.
The degree to which partial dislodgement can affect one or more teeth in the dental set may range from mild to moderate to severe. In severe cases, infection from having a dislodged tooth sets into the dental pulp and can even affect the dental nerve. In such cases root canal treatment is the only alternative.