Partially dislodged teeth can be an extremely distressing experience for people of all ages. Teeth that have only come away from the socket slightly are much easier to replant and repair. However, timing is one of the most important factors to consider when searching for a possible solution. It is advised that patients seek emergency dental treatment within one hour where possible.
Teeth can become dislodged in two different ways. In the first instance, it is possible for teeth to feel loose from the jawbone. The second is when the tooth is knocked deeper into the gum. This can often 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.
Many people can become disoriented or confused if their injury is a result of head trauma. If patients have sustained a concussion or lost consciousness, they should seek hospital medical attention as quickly as possible.
While it may be tempting to pull a loose tooth out, patients are urged to leave it in place for as long as possible. Wiggling the tooth with fingers or pushing it back and forth with the tongue could make it become looser and increasingly difficult to treat.
Initially, our 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 repositioned and splinted with a wire to the neighbouring teeth for a few days.
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. This will prevent the onset of infection or the possibility of an abscess forming.
If a tooth is too severely damaged to be saved by root canal treatment, the tooth will need to be removed and replaced if necessary. Our emergency dentists will ensure all other options are explored before recommending extraction as a last resort.
Pearl Dental Clinic is open 7 days a week from 9am-10pm. You can book an emergency dental appointment by calling us on 0208 547 9997 or by emailing us or book an appointment online (available 24 hours/day).
