A guide to partially dislodged teeth
Knocking a tooth completely out of its socket can be an extremely distressing experience for people of all ages, although this issue is quite common among people who play high-contact sports or have been involved in an accident. In some cases, it is possible for the pearly white to become partially dislodged, which can increase the likelihood of resolving the issue.
Teeth that have only come away from the socket slightly are much easier to replant and repair, with timing one of the most important factors to consider when searching for a possible solution.
The exposure of pearly whites and the lack of muscle of fat to protect them means they are much more vulnerable to impact, which is often experienced when playing sports.
Other bones in the body have a thick layer of protection from muscle and skin and are much less likely to break, highlighting the importance of wearing a high quality mouthguard when taking part in a risky activity.
Being aware of the correct course of action to take is vital for everyone, particularly parents with young children who enjoy exploring their surroundings, often with the use of their mouth.
Teeth are rooted deep into the gums and are provided with a degree of protection against trauma and pressure, with healthy gums providing adequate support for each tooth. For this reason, it is vital to ensure oral health is maintained through the adoption of an effective daily routine.
Dental injuries can be extremely distressing for some individuals and send them into a state of panic. However, keeping a cool head and rationally considering options is important when looking after the damaged tooth.
Pearly whites can become dislodged in two different ways. In the first instance, it is possible for the pearly white to feel loose from the jawbone, with patients usually able to feel it moving. The second is when the tooth is knocked deeper into the gum, which can look worse and cause a greater degree of pain and discomfort.
Although these injuries appear to be extremely different, an emergency dentist is usually able to treat them in the same way.
If an ailment is sustained on the field of play or in a place of work, it is vital to contact a dental professional as soon as possible, with patients advised to seek and receive treatment less than one hour after the incident takes place.
This course of action will greatly increase the chances of an individual enjoying a full recovery, with their smile returning to its natural best in a small period of time.
Many people can become disorientated or confused if their injury is a result of head trauma. In some cases, individuals may sustain concussion and should be given medical attention as quickly as possible.
Emergency dentists recommend that members of the public keep a note of their emergency contact on their person at all times, which is particularly important for those people who take part in high-contact sports on a regular basis. This note should also include the phone number of an emergency dentist to contact if an injury to the mouth, face or neck is sustained.
Patients should ensure they use some form of pain relief after an injury to allow them to relax. Over-the-counter painkillers are fine to use, with ibuprofen providing adequate relief until an emergency dentist or medical professional can provide the correct treatment.
In many cases, a dislodged tooth will accompany another type of injury to the cheeks, face or jaw, with emergency dentists recommending the use of an ice pack to soothe the area and reduce any swelling that has emerged.
While it may be tempting to pull a loose tooth out, patients are urged to leave it in place for s as long as possible. Wiggling the pearly white with fingers or pushing it back and forth with the tongue could make it become looser and increasingly difficult to treat.
What will an emergency dentist do?
Initially, an emergency dentist will examine the dislodged tooth to determine if the blood supply and nerves are connected properly. If this is the case, the tooth is alive and can be repaired and replanted.
Moving a tooth that still has its blood supply and nerves connected is a fairly simple task for a dental professional to carry out. During this process, the tooth will be cleaned as well as any debris in the socket removed. The tooth will then be reinserted and held in place with a splint.
Following this, the gum tissue will heal over and allow the tooth to fit firmly in place. While wearing a splint can be uncomfortable for the patient, it is necessary to ensure the dislodged tooth is held in the correct position so it can be aligned with the rest of the pearly whites and does not affect the bite.
When does the procedure become more difficult?
If a tooth’s nerves and blood supply have been damaged beyond repair, root canal treatment may be required to replace the tooth in its original position rather than leaving a gap. Additionally, this procedure will prevent the onset of infection, or the possibility of an abscess forming.
This type of treatment is required when the inner pulp of a tooth has been infected and involves drilling into the inner parts of the tooth to remove the pulp. Although the procedure does result in the removal of the blood supply and nerves, it allows image-conscious individuals to keep their tooth and maintain a dazzling smile.
What if my tooth cannot be saved?
If a tooth is too severely damaged to be saved by root canal treatment, the tooth will need to be removed. An emergency dentist will ensure all other options are explored before recommending extraction as a last resort.
While many patients may see tooth extraction as the obvious solution to the problem, there are a number of implications to losing a pearly white that can affect the appearance of an individual.
Chewing, talking and eating can become increasingly difficult for individuals with a missing tooth and high pressure can be placed on the teeth and jaw. Additionally, this can mean the remaining teeth begin to erode or bring on aches and pains.
How can this issue be prevented?
Although dislodging a tooth is a difficult thing to do, those people who put themselves at risk by taking part in physical activity should always wear a protective mouthguard.
Emergency dentistry patients who have had a dislodged tooth repaired and replanted should ensure they take care of the affected area, while scheduling regular appointments with a dental professional to monitor the healing process following a procedure.
The practice is open Seven days a week from 8am to 11pm for routine dentistry and we offer a 24 hour emergency dental walk-in service 365 days a year. You can book a consultation at any time by calling our reception team 24 hours a day on 0208 547 9997 or contact us during our working hours by email.
