DENTAL TRAUMA
WHAT DO I DO IF IVE FRACTURED OR KNOCKED MY TOOTH?
1) Go find your nearest dentist as soon as possible. If not available visit your nearest emergency dental centre ring the NHS 111. Make sure you are medically checked first if you have sustained any other injuries or lost consciousness. Most dental clinics are open monday to saturday so you should be fine. If it happens on a saturday or sunday you may have to ring the emergency clinics for help until your dentist opens and you can see them.
2) Keep the fragment and place it in blood/milk/saliva - try to avoid contamination or wiping it or holding it by the root. Just place in a clean container and take it with you to your dentist. If the knocked out or wobbly tooth is a baby tooth it is unlikely your dentist will re implant this back in. Normally we just monitor and observe the site and warn parents that there is a risk that the adult tooth developing up in the gum may become discoloured, mis-shaped or un-erupt. There is also a possibility that you may need to see an orthodontist for an opinion to correct the teeth into the best positions.
3) If your teeth are slightly mobile and you have a retainer you can wear this until your appointment. Your dentist may provide you with a temporary splint or a new retainer. Try to leave the area alone until you see your dentist. If you have knocked the tooth out you can quickly place them back in if clean (rinse any major dirt off with sterile water), if unsure wait until you can see an emergency dentist. Your dentist may or may not re-implant your tooth if it has been knocked out. It depends on the extent of the trauma and how long the tooth has been outside the mouth. Re-implantation does not guarantee success so be prepared to face the fact that you still may lose the tooth.
4) Take painkillers and use icepacks to calm down the swelling. Eat soft food like soup and mash potato etc. Make sure there are no fragments left in your lips or gums (your dentists will check this). You can still gently brush your teeth and use warm salty mouthwash to keep the site clean. You may have small cuts or bruises around your mouth - don't worry these should heal up with minimal scarring but make sure you see a medical or dental clinician for advice as every case can vary.
5) Yes there is a possibility that any teeth traumatised may become discoloured or infected and may require root canal treatment. Failing this, if the trauma is very severe you may end up losing the tooth but don't worry dentistry is amazing these days. Dentists can replace your missing teeth with implants, bridges or dentures that look and function brilliantly so no one can tell.
6) Your teeth and gums will heal relatively quickly. Sometimes at emergency appointments your dentist may not be able to do much until the swelling has calmed down. This can take up to 7-10 days. Just listen and follow their guidance as they want to help you.
For more information please visit:
1) Dental Trauma UK
2) Dental Trauma Website
3) American Trauma Advice
4) Baby Teeth Trauma Advice
5) Dental Trauma Guidelines
2) Keep the fragment and place it in blood/milk/saliva - try to avoid contamination or wiping it or holding it by the root. Just place in a clean container and take it with you to your dentist. If the knocked out or wobbly tooth is a baby tooth it is unlikely your dentist will re implant this back in. Normally we just monitor and observe the site and warn parents that there is a risk that the adult tooth developing up in the gum may become discoloured, mis-shaped or un-erupt. There is also a possibility that you may need to see an orthodontist for an opinion to correct the teeth into the best positions.
3) If your teeth are slightly mobile and you have a retainer you can wear this until your appointment. Your dentist may provide you with a temporary splint or a new retainer. Try to leave the area alone until you see your dentist. If you have knocked the tooth out you can quickly place them back in if clean (rinse any major dirt off with sterile water), if unsure wait until you can see an emergency dentist. Your dentist may or may not re-implant your tooth if it has been knocked out. It depends on the extent of the trauma and how long the tooth has been outside the mouth. Re-implantation does not guarantee success so be prepared to face the fact that you still may lose the tooth.
4) Take painkillers and use icepacks to calm down the swelling. Eat soft food like soup and mash potato etc. Make sure there are no fragments left in your lips or gums (your dentists will check this). You can still gently brush your teeth and use warm salty mouthwash to keep the site clean. You may have small cuts or bruises around your mouth - don't worry these should heal up with minimal scarring but make sure you see a medical or dental clinician for advice as every case can vary.
5) Yes there is a possibility that any teeth traumatised may become discoloured or infected and may require root canal treatment. Failing this, if the trauma is very severe you may end up losing the tooth but don't worry dentistry is amazing these days. Dentists can replace your missing teeth with implants, bridges or dentures that look and function brilliantly so no one can tell.
6) Your teeth and gums will heal relatively quickly. Sometimes at emergency appointments your dentist may not be able to do much until the swelling has calmed down. This can take up to 7-10 days. Just listen and follow their guidance as they want to help you.
For more information please visit:
1) Dental Trauma UK
2) Dental Trauma Website
3) American Trauma Advice
4) Baby Teeth Trauma Advice
5) Dental Trauma Guidelines