Types of dental trauma
Extruded teeth
If a tooth is pushed inwards (intrusion) or outwards (extrusion) or is out of place, you should apply gentle finger pressure to reposition the tooth back to its normal position. Try to avoid forcing the tooth into its socket. Use a clean moist tissue or a damp gauze to hold the tooth in its place.
Knocked out teeth
If a tooth has been knocked out of its socket, you should first recover it and remove any dirt or debris by washing it carefully. You should avoid touching the root surface and try to hold the tooth by its crown as you may damage the fibres on the root surface by touching the root.
If possible, try to put the tooth back in its socket since it is possible to re-implant the tooth within 60 minutes of it coming out. Alternatively, store the tooth inside a glass of milk and immediately call our dental practice.
The longer a tooth lies outside its socket, the lower the chances of a successful reattachment with the socket, so speed is of the essence in such a dental emergency.
Fractured teeth
The treatment of a fractured tooth depends on the degree of damage to the tooth. Whatever the degree of damage might be, you should see a dentist as soon as possible to get the appropriate treatment. Do not worry, because a fractured tooth can in most cases be repaired. If the tooth feels painful, try to avoid biting in that area or eating hot or cold foods in the meantime.
Minor tooth fracture
For a minor tooth fracture, our dentists can smooth the fractured part of the tooth and minimise the injury. We can also do a small white filling to restore the tooth. You must take care of your tooth and try to avoid any further trauma.
Moderate tooth fracture
You may have a moderate tooth fracture if there is damage to your tooth enamel or dentine, or both. You may need a white filling or a veneer/crown to restore the tooth back to its previous shape.
Severe tooth fracture
A severe tooth fracture could mean that the tooth may be unrestorable. The tooth will have to be assessed immediately and, if it can be saved, it may need a crown. If the tooth is unrestorable, it may need to be extracted and replaced with a bridge, denture or an implant.
Soft tissue trauma
In the event of a soft tissue injury, you need to have the wound cleaned, sutured and repaired. If there is bleeding due to a tongue laceration, then try to pull your tongue forward and use gauze to put some pressure on it.
