During a traumatic injury, a tooth may be dislodged, pushed sideways, or even forced back into its socket. In such cases, your dentist or endodontist will carefully reposition and stabilize the tooth to restore its proper alignment. Root canal treatment is typically required, and should be initiated within a few days following the injury to prevent further complications. Medication may be placed inside the tooth to promote healing, and a permanent root canal filling will be completed at a follow-up appointment.

If a tooth is completely knocked out of your mouth, time is critical, and prompt treatment is essential. Handle the tooth very carefully, avoiding contact with the root surface. If possible, place the tooth back into its socket as quickly as possible. The less time the tooth spends outside the socket, the better the chances of saving it. If replanting the tooth isn’t immediately possible, keep it moist by placing it in milk.

Once the tooth is reinserted, your dentist or endodontist will assess it and check for any additional dental injuries. A stabilizing splint will be placed to secure the tooth for a few weeks. Endodontic treatment will typically begin within a couple of weeks after replantation, except in the case of very young children.

The chances of saving the tooth depend on factors such as how long the tooth was out of the mouth, how it was handled, and how it was stored before professional care was sought.