07/02/2025
A sports injury, a bad fall, or even just biting down on something wrong are three of many ways someone could damage a tooth. The best person to see for a broken or knocked-out tooth (assuming general emergency treatment isn't needed first) is the endodontist.
Effective treatment for a chipped or cracked tooth depends on how severe the damage is. A fractured crown can usually be repaired, but sometimes root canal treatment is needed. A tooth split down to the root typically needs to be pulled.
If a tooth has been dislodged or pushed deeper into its socket, it may be possible to reposition and stabilize it. Sometimes it needs root canal treatment. If it is completely knocked out, the faster we can get to it, the better our chances are of successfully replanting it.
Do not touch the root of a knocked-out tooth or attempt to clean it, because this will kill the root and ruin any chance of replanting it. The best thing to do is put it back in the socket or in cold milk if that's not possible. Replanting it will involve using a splint to keep it in position while it heals.
It's critical in a traumatic dental injury situation to get to the endodontist or emergency dentist as quickly as possible. Over-the-counter pain medication, drinking plenty of cold fluids, and biting down on clean, moist gauze can help in the meantime.
