A BAD FALL, an injury in a game, or biting down the wrong way on something are just a few things that could lead to a damaged or knocked-out tooth. The best person to see in these cases (after getting emergency treatment for any dangerous injuries) is the endodontist.
The most effective treatment for an injured tooth depends on the severity of the crack or chip in it. If the tooth only has a fractured crown, it can usually be repaired. Sometimes, it will take root canal treatment and a crown to restore the function of a broken molar. If the tooth splits down to the root, it may need to be pulled.
A tooth that has been knocked out of place or pushed deeper into its socket may require root canal treatment, but it is often possible to reposition and restabilize it. For a tooth that is knocked out completely, the faster we can treat it after the accident, the better the chances are that the tooth can be successfully replanted.
Do not touch the root of a knocked-out tooth or attempt to clean it, because this will kill the root and make replanting impossible. Store it in the socket or a glass of milk if that’s not possible. To replant it, the endodontist will use a stabilizing splint to keep it steady while it heals.
The ideal dental injury situation is that you can get to the endodontist or an emergency dentist within minutes after the injury occurs. In the meantime, take over-the-counter pain medication, drink cold fluids, and bite down on clean, moist gauze.
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