top of page
Writer's pictureAndrea Fallon DMD

Wasn't that an ADULT Tooth?!?! : Tooth Trauma, AVULSION


Tooth Avulsion is when tooth is completely dislodged from the socket,
Tooth Avulsions need to be managed quickly for best prognosis

Scenario : Your 12 year old child is a skilled gymnast. They are starting to work on skills on the uneven bars that make you cringe they look so difficult. Your child is on the high bar, releases, turns and tries to catch the bar only to hit their face on it and fall to the ground. They pop up to their feet quick and cover their mouth and start to panic.


This type of tooth trauma can lead to what is called an "Avulsion." Avulsions are a trauma where the whole tooth (root and all) are dislodged from the socket. Avulsions sever the tooth's periodontal ligament (between bone and tooth) and it's nerve and blood supply and sometimes cause minor fractures of the tooth supporting bone. Time is of the essence in this scenario as we have about an hour to re-implant the tooth for best future prognosis.


  1. Calm the patient, and if they are bleeding put compression on the area by biting on a towel.

  2. Find the tooth. When found DO NOT TOUCH THE ROOT OF THE TOOTH. If you are at a gym or other facility ask if they have a "tooth saver kit" or a jar with Hanks Balanced salt solution. If that is not available, milk is next best option and then saliva is the least desirable carrying solution.

  3. RINSE the tooth. in the solution you chose above


  1. WITHOUT WIPING THE ROOT. Once rinsed, try gently re-inserting the tooth yourself. IF YOU CANNOT, place tooth in your carrying solution. There are special cells on the root surface that could be wiped away if you do so.

  2. Call the Dentist. Once at the dental office, the dentist will do a thorough exam and confirm the extent of the injury. He/She will take an x-ray, numb the area and re-insert the tooth after gently rinsing it confirming positioning with a second x-ray. Then the dentist will place a splint ( dental floss or orthodontic wire bonded to the traumatized tooth and the teeth on either side). Depending on the situation, it is highly likely that a root canal will be needed on this tooth with in the first couple of weeks. The dentist may choose to prescribe an antibiotic, but not always


We have seen many children and adults have this happen and they are able to maintain their teeth and keep a beautiful smile for years to come. This injury can be unpredictable in its healing but with good initial management of the injury we can give the tooth the best chances for a positive outcome.


Fallon Dental Arts Logo
General,Cosemetic and Family Dentistry

12 views0 comments

Commenti


bottom of page