When an injury causes a tooth to be pushed back into its socket, an endodontist or general dentist can often reposition and stabilize the tooth. Root canal treatment typically begins within a few weeks of the injury, with a medication like calcium hydroxide applied inside the tooth before placing a permanent root canal filling.
If a tooth is partially ejected from the socket, it may also be repositioned and stabilized by a dental professional. If the pulp stays healthy, no further treatment might be needed. However, if the pulp is damaged or becomes infected, root canal treatment is necessary. Without treatment, various complications can arise, including infection of the tooth, root system, or surrounding tissues, challenges in maintaining oral hygiene around the dislodged tooth, and ultimately, loss of the tooth.
If a tooth is completely knocked out due to an injury, prompt action is crucial for the best chance of saving the tooth. Keeping the tooth moist is essential. If possible, gently reinsert the tooth back into its socket. If that’s not an option, placing the tooth in milk or a glass of water with a pinch of salt can also help preserve it. The treatment for an avulsed tooth, including whether root canal therapy is necessary, will depend on how long the tooth was out of the mouth and how it was stored during that time, as well as the stage of root development. Immediate treatment by an endodontist or dentist is key to saving the tooth.
An injured immature tooth may need one of the following procedures to improve the chances of saving the tooth:
Apexogenesis is a dental procedure aimed at encouraging the continued development and healing of the tooth’s pulp. During this treatment, a specific medication is applied to the soft tissue of the pulp to stimulate growth. As the patient ages, typically a child, the apex (tip of the root) gradually closes, and the walls of the root canal thicken, enhancing the tooth’s structural integrity.
If the pulp successfully heals, no further treatment may be needed. The maturity of the root significantly improves the likelihood of preserving the tooth, making apexogenesis a crucial procedure for dental health and development in young patients.
Apexification is a process used when the pulp of the tooth, which is unhealthy, needs to be removed. In this treatment, a medication is introduced into the root canal to stimulate the formation of hard tissue near the root tip. This newly formed hard tissue acts as a barrier for the root canal filling, effectively sealing the canal.
However, after apexification, the root canal walls cease to thicken or develop further, which may leave the tooth more prone to fractures. Therefore, it’s essential to have the tooth adequately restored by a dentist to ensure its strength and functionality are maintained. This restoration is crucial for the long-term health and stability of the tooth. Request an appointment today at Avondale Endodontics for any query.
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